Isn’t now a great time to replace sinas chinam with ahavas chinam toward fellow Yidden?

The pictures in this thread are extremely powerful; I would LOVE to see similar pictures (of varying types of Jews interacting with each other) at a HAPPY time… and what could be happier than simchas Purim?!

Why not practice ahavas Yisroel and have kosher fun at the same time?

Unfortunately, oftentimes we see true achdus as a result of what we perceive as “bad” events. Could you imagine the impact of pictures of Chassidishe Rebbes taking out a few minutes during Purim to be sameach with bochurim at Mercaz-type Yeshivos, and vice versa? …and of Jews from all types of communities going out of their way to be m’sameach with – or send shalach manos to – Jews in “other” communities? I truly believe such an attempt would have tremendous impact on the people who are visited by the other Yidden.

It seems fairly common for people to drop everything to, R”L, attend a levaya of a friend or family member (a “sad” event) in another town – or another country – but don’t routinely go to a chasuna, bris or other “happy” event when it’s outside the community. I always try to attend chasunas in other towns (using frequent flyer miles, whenever practicable), and I *know* that the effort means so much to the people putting on the simcha. Likewise with my humble suggestion, above. Jewish unity is too important and urgent to reserve for tragedy, R”L.

May Ha-Shem treat us to many simchas, and to no more sorrow.

-MK

If there is a claim to be expressed against a lack of feeling for our slain brethren it perhaps should be directed at those whose lack of emunas chachomim needed this tragedy to wake them up. (See Sha’arei Teshiva, Sha’ar Rishon.)

Years ago, when many believed peace was around the corner, our Gedolim, decreed we all say three kapitlach of Tehillim after davenning every day (except Shabbos and Yom Tov.) A look at those kapitlach (83 in particular) should arouse awe in all when they consider the foresight of the Gedolim whose vision chose this particular kapitle. How many kehilos say these? How many of us see them as a burden, or even leave shul before they are said (a real sh’ailah of halachah)?

On the other hand, walk into, for example, Yeshivah Rabbi Chaim Berlin, any day for Shacharis or Minchah and hear their cries during those Tehillim. You would think the decree was issued yesterday or that the Tehillim were for someone very close to the Yeshivah.

The value of every neshamah is no more keenly felt and appreciated than it is in a Yeshivah where they thrive on “soul food” often in excess of 16 hours a day. Where else but in a Yeshivah may one hear regular discourses on the greatness of Man? Where other than the Gemorah and its meforshim are volumes written on the intricacies and the importance of each Yid, of honoring ones fellow man, of gratitude, of all matters pertaining to bein Adam l’chaveiro?

The reason they didnt stop learning to say thilim is TALMUD TORAH K’NEGED KULAM! It is very simple.

ML