We are at a loss for words. I cannot fathom the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones in the tragic act of terror at the Boston Marathon. Nor can I surmise how I would deal with the challenge of a lost limb or other disability. It is simply heart wrenching. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, friends and all those affected.
The obvious question on people’s minds is, “Why did they do this?! How could someone be so horrible?”
To crawl into the mind of a terrorist is virtually impossible. The gap is just too big. I will not attempt to probe such insanity, nor allow the appearance of justification.
But I will ask myself a frightful question: Are we as human beings capable of harming each other? We may not be anywhere near allowing ourselves to bring death or devastation to others. But what about other types of harm? How can I prevent myself from harming others?
We may never be able to cure those that are determined to destroy. But perhaps if we could find our own safeguard against harm it would make the world a better place. Maybe even one life will be saved or bettered.
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The double parsha of Acharei-Kedoshim teaches a lot about respecting one another. In fact, one of the most famous verses of the Torah appears in this week’s parsha:
“You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against any of your people; and you shall love your fellow as yourself.”
Now, brotherly love is a cornerstone of our faith. But why does the Torah start off telling us not to seek revenge or bear a grudge and only then enjoin us to love one another. Should it not be the opposite? Why not stress the positive as the cornerstone that prevents the negative?
A comment from the Jerusalem Talmud might shed some light on this. Says the Talmud:
How does one avoid acting vengefully? One should think: If a person were cutting meat and the knife cut his hand, would that hand cut the first hand in return?
The Torah is not only instructing us on proper behavior. It is spelling out the fundamental philosophy behind brotherly love. If we look at each other as separate entities, we will have a hard time loving each other. Instead we might find ourselves in a vengeful cycle.
Realizing that we all are part of one will not only help us overcome strife, it will also enable us to employ true amity toward one another.
And, that is the great inspiration from Boston. Two cowardly individuals inflicted endless suffering. But hundreds of valiant bystanders sprang into action, displaying the remarkable, selfless human spirit that unites us beyond words.