I am compelled to share a sentiment that resonates within and beyond the Yeshivish circles, sparked by recent events such as the recommendation letter discouraging attendance at a Washington DC rally. Growing up in the Yeshivish community, I appreciate the solid foundation it provides and understand the value of sheltering individuals from influences that may not align with our beliefs. However, a crucial issue demands our attention.
Within the Yeshiva system, there seems to be a deficiency in educating our children about the equal standing of other Roshei Yeshivas, Gedolei Torah, and their followers outside our circles. It is imperative to recognize that individuals from diverse affiliations within Judaism are not in any way inferior. For example, Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah of Modern Orthodox circles or, for that matter, any other sect should not be looked at as inferior to those of the Yeshivish or Chasidic circles. Every Jew, regardless of their religious orientation, remains our brother or sister, and our community should avoid conveying a sense of superiority. The disputes and differences of the 1950s are expired.
A recent example is the rally in Washington, DC. While the lineup of speakers and the program may not have aligned with the preferences of Yeshivish circles, it was, at its core, a unity rally, and every Jew should have participated. I include myself in this reflection, admitting that I did not attend. Respecting the guidance of Gedolei Torah is crucial, but there could have been a solution to facilitate participation for those more comfortable in a Yeshiva-centric environment.
Chabad, for instance, saw this rally as an opportunity to unite thousands in putting on tefillin, without imposing judgment on the event’s overall alignment with their hashkafa. Prominent Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah attended, recognizing the importance of looking beyond differences and acknowledging every Jew as part of the collective.
In Israel, a model of unity has been established, fostering palpable love between Chareidim and secular Jews. It is time to shed historical judgments and embrace each other, irrespective of the sect, attire, or Yeshiva affiliation. Past distinctions should no longer hinder our ability to view fellow Jews as equals.
It is incumbent upon Roshei Yeshivos and Gedolei Torah to impart these values to our children. Regardless of external markers, such as a yarmulke’s style or the color of a shirt, we must teach our youth to regard all Gedolim, Talmidei Chachamim, and fellow Jews, regardless of sect, as equals. Differing opinions are natural, but they should not alter the fundamental way we perceive and relate to one another.
Allow me to vent for a second. I can understand instructing those who sit and learn all day to stay put and learn rather than attend the rally because there’s nothing better than learning. However, discouraging others in the Yeshivish circles from going to the rally makes no sense! There has never been a kol koreh discouraging those in the Yeshivish circles from attending ECORE, ECAP, Amazon trade shows, and other conventions where the surroundings are significantly worse than the surroundings at the DC rally.
In conclusion, let us prioritize love over judgment, unity over division. Our responsibility is not to pass judgment but to embrace every Jew as we would ourselves. Together, let us foster a community where differences strengthen our collective spirit rather than drive us apart.