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Unity And Diversity:
Conditions Of Strength

Shabbat Bamidbar: Numbers 1:1- 4:20;
I Samuel 20:18-42.

T H A

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CELEBRATING 3,000 YEARS OF JERUSALEM

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featuring

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DAVID ROSEN, comedian

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SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1996, 3:30 p.m.

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co-sponsored by Temple Couples Club
for complimentary tickets call (810) 661-5700

RABBI IRWIN GRONER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

0

n this Shabbat, we begin
reading the Book ofBamid-
bar, which describes the
episodes and experiences
the children of Israel underwent
in their journey through the
wilderness for 40 years.
This week's sedrah describes
the arrangement and order in
which the Israelites encamped
and journeyed in their march from
Egypt to Canaan. In the center of
the camp was the Ohel Moed, the
tent of meeting, containing the
Ark of the Covenant, guarded by
the Levites. Round about it were
stationed the rest of the tribes,
each of them distinguished from
the others by its own banner, each
marching with its own group.
What was the purpose of these
regulations? Why should each
tribe march under its own stan-
dard? As we answer these ques-
tions, we may find light in
resolving some of the problems
which concern us in our commu-
nal life.
The Torah recognizes that the
Jewish people were to be grouped
according to tribes rather than as
a uniform folk, for this reason. Ju-
daism acknowledges the wide va-
riety of interests, the differences
of the souls of people, the latitude
in the courses of life one may
choose. And yet, within this mul-
tiplicity, there emerges a unity
which is based on a common at-
tachment to the central sanctu-
ary. Although tribe was distinct
from tribe, they were bound to-
gether. Each was to maintain its
separate identity and still share
in the unity of the whole.
That is the true ideal of a flour-
ishing and vigorous community.
Yet, we persistently neglect it. We
want every member of the com-
munity to march under the same
banner. Each group declares, 'We
alone possess the true under-
standing of the Jewish heritage,
the Jewish way of life."
We fail to make provision for
differences in temperament, up-
bringing, education and belief We
refuse to admit the elementary
fact that what suits one Jew may
not suit another. We demand that
all should be alike, or rather, that
others should be like us.
The consequence of this atti-
tude is the creation of divisions in
the community, often mutually
hostile. Such attitudes are a
source of weakness among us. Our

Irwin Groner is senior rabbi of
Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

energies and resources are dissi-
pated in mutual criticism and re-
crimination, rather than in unified
effort on behalf of our common
goal, to strengthen the Jewish peo-
ple in its journey to spiritual ful-
fillment.
Consider the scene in the
wilderness — the Ark in the cen-
ter of the people, round about it
on all sides and in all directions
the 12 tribes, each recognized by
its own symbols. Every Israelite
was in his place under a tribal
banner to which he was attached.
By such arrangement and in such
formation, the sanctuary was
properly guarded; and thus, the
people marched on to their desti-
nation. If Moses had tried to oblit-
erate the differences and had
demanded uniformity, it is certain
that internal troubles would have
constantly arisen to disturb the
national unity. But by wisely rec-
ognizing the tribal distinctions and
even preserving them by means
of standards, he secured oneness.
This explains a remarkable
phenomenon in Jewish history.
We have always had our divi-
sions. Our flexibility and mutu-
al respect prepared us for the
outlook that there is not neces-
sarily one Jewish response to the
problems of the times, but many
alternatives. German Jewry dur-
ing the Middle Ages addressed
their concerns differently than
the Spanish-Jewish communi-
ties, each responding to the con-
ditions posed by their particular
societies. Is not the same true of
the divergent programs and ide-
ologies of the Reform, Conserva-
tive and Orthodox movements
and other movements as well? I
believe it is a blessing that one is
not forced into a religious com-
partment, but rather has the
power of choosing the way of Jew-
ish observance and belief that ex-
presses his convictions.
Unity is more important than
similarity, and unity can only be
secured by respect for diversity.
Let us not drive away from the
Ark of the Covenant men and
women who are eager to range
themselves by its side just be-
cause they wish to stand under a
different banner. Such an atti-
tude is contrary to Jewish ideals
and retards progress. If we desire
to march out of the wilderness
and enter the glorious Land of
Promise, we must be prepared to
rally around the Ark, with every
person in his place, finding his
own way in this great journey.

❑

