The landmark of 75 years of the Jewish state is being celebrated this Wednesday. The Jewish people are like one large family. While we may love each other, it is not always harmonious. Therefore, we need to work on liking each other as well.
It can be easier to like someone you do not really care about. However, when you love someone, that closeness makes it harder to like them. Ironically, it can be hardest to like those you care deeply about. During the counting of the Omer, we recount how the students of Rabbi Akiva fought. Rabbi Akiva was known for the phrase, “Love your fellow as yourself!” However, when one loves the other truly, it becomes more difficult to actually like and get along with them, just like in a family.
We must remember that each person is unique and is a particular expression of G-d’s infiniteness. G-d created the world and humans with many different natures, shortcomings, and personalities. We come in all kinds. Therefore, we must value each person as a unique expression of G-dliness. We are all created uniquely in G-d’s image, with flaws and different temperaments.
Let us all work on treating everyone with kindness, even the ones we love.
Happy Birthday to Israel!
Thank you to the Diamond Foundation for their ongoing generous support.