HMB – He’s My Brother

My wife and I had dinner yesterday with some new business associates. They were a nice couple from Tel Aviv. Coming from the heart of Judea, we didn’t know what to expect. We know that the Tel Aviv crowd has their feelings about “West Bank Settlers,” and we also know that we have our preconceived notions about them. We were a little excited, and a bit nervous.

It turned out to be a wonderful experience. We had a feeling that everything would be okay when we ordered sandwiches and our waitress, noticing my wife’s head covering, politely directed us to where we could wash our hands before eating. Our new friends even told us about a Holy Sage we should meet whom many in Israel have experienced beautiful miracles with. It was such a pleasant surprise to come away with such a positive impression of these good people.

There are many among the “Tel Aviv elite” who feel the same way towards us. There was recently an article in Haaretz where the author talks about meeting residents of Beit El face to face. He writes that after meeting with them, he reconsidered his formerly held convictions. He discovered that these pioneers are among the best people that Israel has to offer. Although his political opinions did not change, he admits that he now holds them with a heavy heart.

 Another new friend told me that he read Likutei Moharan. He said that it “killed his reading for years.” He lamented that after reading the works of self-help experts, gurus, and other “alternative living” advisors, it all was a waste. Everything these people had to say was already covered by Rabbi Nachman!

It’s amazing how much we all have in common.

On the one hand, it feels like we are giving up so much by resisting those aspects of Israeli life that don’t adhere to our standards of Holiness. I have to admit I like Tel Aviv. I like the skyscrapers, I like the beaches, and I like the chic restaurants that remind me of where I grew up.

On the other hand, we know the truth. Too much exposure to secular life, no matter how special and decent it’s representatives, is very risky. It can become a block to our connection with Hashem. The beaches, while beautiful, are full of images that are damaging to the eyes and toxic to the soul. Many of the restaurants, while stimulating and captivating, are, alas – not kosher.

How do we reconcile all of this? How do reconcile one fact that the secular Jews I have had the honor to meet in this nation are kind, intelligent, funny, and decent, with the other fact that it will be very hard to maintain the goals I have for my spiritual development if I continue to expose myself to too many impulses of an exotic, and questionably kosher nature?

Is there a solution?

The solution is to remember that the secular Jew is my brother, to pray for him and to pray for all of Klal Yisrael. We lost the last Beit HaMikdash (Temple) due to baseless hatred, and we will, Bezrat Hashem (with Hashem’s help), get it back through baseless love.

When you see someone that’s not on the same spiritual page that you are, just remember – “HMB” – he’s my brother.

Once Mashiach comes, a lot of things in Israel will change. All of these changes will be good, and they will benefit everyone who lives here. Every restaurant in Tel Aviv will be Kosher. All the beaches in Netanya will be available and spiritually safe for everyone. Most importantly, none of the political or religious arguments we have will ever, EVER, be divisive enough to bring us to hate one another.

With Hashem’s help, we should all merit to have behind our prayers to Hashem for the Beit HaMikdash, Mashiach ben David, and most of all – to always love our brothers and sisters.