|
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
Do You Have Family in Israel or Anywhere Around the World?
I feel compelled to share this reflection, acknowledging our extended global family, many of whom may be facing hardship and suffering.
"Do you have family in Israel?" is a question often asked during these difficult times. But aren’t we all family, regardless of where we live? Aren’t we all connected, no matter where we are in the world?
Our sages teach: If a person is walking along the road and suddenly hears wailing, and then prays to G-d, "Please, may these cries not come from my household," their prayer is in vain. It's too late to change what has already occurred.
On a deeper level, I offer two interpretations of this:
-
By asking, "May it not be my family," one is placing greater importance on their own family’s well-being than on the well-being of others. A prayer like this reflects a limited view, failing to demonstrate love and concern for all people equally. It shows an inner weakness.
- By not halting everything to respond to someone else’s pain or distress, we reveal that our priorities are misaligned. The immediate response to another’s suffering should be to stop whatever we are doing, whether praying or anything else, and act to help.
We must come to understand that we all have family in Israel and across the globe. We are all brothers and sisters, children of G-d. Every person on this earth is part of G-d’s family, and we are all responsible for one another.
Aaron, the brother of Moses, had a unique approach to life and love. "He loved peace and pursued peace. He loved 'creatures' and brought them closer to the Torah."
Why use the term "creatures" instead of "people"? The answer is clear. Aaron's love extended beyond race, faith, or nationality. He loved all beings because they were created by G-d. If G-d found value in creating someone, we too must find it meaningful enough to love, care for, and show concern for that person.
So, the next time you’re asked, "Do you have family in Israel or anywhere else in the world?" consider answering, "I have billions of family members in Israel and across the world."
We can unite as one family and support each other
from near and far in any way we can.
| 
