With the Iowa caucuses behind us and the primary season upon us, Americans begin to tune in to the elections ahead. Looking at the polls can be a dizzying experience. Analyzing candidates’ positions might be more dizzying, some may argue.
All the hype leads us to wonder: Is there more that unites us than divides us?
And, by extension, we can ask the same of ourselves as Jews. We are famous for our diverse opinions. Does this virtue guarantee us a continuous vibrant status, or does it perhaps portray our ultimate demise?
Recent events in Israel only highlight the urgency of this question. (See here for a statement by Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters).
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I’ll leave the politics to politicians, but this week’s Parsha Vayechi sheds some light on our people.
Prior to the passing of Yaakov (Jacob), he gathers all his sons to his bedside to bless him. The Torah relates:
“Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days. Gather and listen, sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel, your father.”
As we read further, we see that no prophecy is given regarding the End of Days. Instead he blesses his sons. The Talmud clarifies that Jacob wished to reveal to his sons the end of the days (i.e., the time of the ultimate Redemption) whereupon the Divine Presence departed from him.
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True – as the Talmud states – Yaakov did not end up revealing the time of Moashiach’s arrival. But perhaps he still encoded in his words the formula for earning his arrival.
Jacob's revelation to his sons about the future was in fact mentioned in those brief words of introduction. He revealed to them that their descent into Egypt, and the future exile are the results of discord and conflict.
How will they reach the era of Moshiach and the future Redemption? When they "listen to Israel" their father and recognize that they are all "sons of Jacob." When they put aside their differences and "gather together," in unity and brotherhood, this will bring about the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people.
Yes, our opinions are profoundly expressed and dot the entire political, philosophical and human landscape. And – as Yaakov demonstrates with the diverse blessings – this is meant to be. When we recognize and behave in a manner that displays that we are all “sons of Jacob,” we are indeed ready for Moshiach.