In our parasha Chukat, we learn that when Aharon Hacohen, Moses brother, passed away, all of the people of Israel, men and women, mourned for him for 30 days.  The pain that the people expressed over Aharon’s death was exceptional, something that had never happened until that moment with other leaders of Israel.

The reason why all the people cried for Aharon is because he was dedicated to making peace between people with differences and enemies.  Aharon managed to ensure that, even if they did not agree with his opinions, there was respect and love between them.  In this way, he managed to bring families divided by their ideals together again to celebrate together or support each other in difficulties.

Aharon’s greatness lay in his ability to positively influence people, strengthening unity among the people of Israel.  His legacy is a vital message, especially in a time of so much diversity and different ways of thinking.

Thinking differently is not bad; Diversity of opinions is welcomed in Judaism. The Talmud and the Jewish literature encourage people to debate, challenge and discuss. However, disrespect, violence, and the attempt to discredit, cancel, and silence those who think differently, especially through fake news, is not what the Torah teaches.

This is such an important Jewish value – it applies to the family relationships as well as community and all-around social life.

In Israel and in America, specifically in this time of political rages and ideologies, there are agendas that one group want to enforce on the other group.

Let’s not forget the mystical words: LA UNION HACE LA FUERZA! (Unity is strength!)

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen