There is Power in Togetherness

Just over a week ago, Daf Yomi (the daily reading of the Talmud page by page) reached Shevuot 39. And on the first side of that page, Shevuot 39a, we find the familiar line:

כׇּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲרֵבִים זֶה בָּזֶה

All of Israel are guarantors one for the other.

In modern terms, this is a powerful assertion of our interconnectedness, our mutual responsibility for each other’s well-being. We all have each other’s backs. A world that is being torn apart in so many dimensions, a world filled with dissension and outright hatred, can make you feel all too alone unless you have the support of a community around you. We must all step up to be part of that community for one another.

Living in times where we have learned to value inclusiveness, we instinctively expand this compassion to all human beings. Perhaps that person across the street does not look like me, worship like me, vote like me. But that person was created 'בְּצֶלֶם ה (in the image of God) just as I was, and deserves honor and respect for that reason.

There is a familiar prayer for peace that is found at the end of the Amidah and at the end of the Kaddish, Oseh Shalom. Its words are:

	עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּוְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ: אָמֵן.
May the one who creates peace on high bring peace to us and to all Israel. And we say, Amen.

In the United Kingdom in 1967, the inclusive phrase וְעַל כָּל יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל (and all who dwell thereon) was added to the end of this prayer, and it has subsequently been added in many liberal prayerbooks in the United States as well. This ensures that we are praying for peace for ALL of humanity, not just our own people. The recognition that we all inhabit this planet, all have rights, and we need to work together toward the common goal of improving our society was long overdue.

People are feeling vulnerable. There is a sense of not being safe, even in our own communities. Being together – praying, singing, studying, socializing, or even just simple companionship – goes a long way to making us feel more secure – taken care of, bonded together. As my friend Marilyn said this morning, “This is how we survive these turbulent times.”