We read in Parashat Toledot about Yitzhak’s experiences when he settled among the Pelishtim, who were hostile to him and drove him from their territory. Later, the king of the Pelishtim, Avimelech, approached Yitzhak and expressed his desire to make a truce. Yitzhak and Avimelech made a formal agreement with one another, and bid each other farewell peacefully.
This happened also in the time of Yitzhak’s father, Avraham, who also had experiences with Avimelech and the Pelishtim. And in the end, Avraham also made a peaceful agreement with Avimelech. Both Avraham and Yitzhak were interested in living in peace and friendship with their non-Jewish neighbors, and had respect for all people.
In fact, several weeks ago, we read what is undoubtedly the most famous prayer in the Torah – Avraham’s prayer for the evil, corrupt people of Sedom, who opposed everything Avraham represented and taught. Yet, he cared even about them, and he prayed that they would be spared.
There is a Mishna in Pirkeh Avot which, I’m afraid, is not as well-known as it should be. The Mishna states very clearly: חביב אדם שנברא בצלם – the human being is precious, because he is created in the image of G-d. This means that every human being, Jew or non-Jew, no matter what he does, what he doesn’t do, and how he lives, is precious.
There is considerable debate among observant Jews as to whether we should celebrate Thanksgiving. It must be clarified, however, that there is NO DEBATE about the general attitude we should have towards our country, the United States of America. There is no question that we must respect and appreciate this country and all it has done for the Jewish People.
When a violent anti-Semite entered a synagogue in Pittsburg and started shooting Jews, non-Jewish policemen ran to the scene and put their lives on the line – and were shot – trying to protect our brothers and sisters. On Kristallnacht in Germany, German policemen participated in the violent riots.
We enjoy remarkable freedoms and blessings in this country, and we are to appreciate and respect all its citizens. The question surrounding the celebration of Thanksgiving is whether this holiday is an American holiday, or a religious holiday. We cannot participate in other nations’ religious celebration, and this is why Jews’ celebration of this holiday is controversial. But there is no question at all that we must feel immensely grateful and have great respect for this country.
The Mishna continues: חביב ישראל שנקראו בנים למקום – the Jewish People are precious, as we are considered Hashem’s children.
Notice that the Mishna does not limit this status to any kind of Jew. It does not say that only Jews who observe Shabbat, who go to shul, who keep kosher, or who dress a certain way are Hashem’s children. It says that ALL JEWS are Hashem’s children.
Of course, we need to carefully decide what to bring into our lives and into our world. We have our religious standards, and we need to strictly maintain them. We are not going to approve behavior that does not meet our tradition’s standards. But maintaining our standards does not entitle us to judge other people.
Every Jew, no matter how he or she acts, no matter how he or she lives, is our sibling. If a close relative is in trouble and needs help, we will rush to help regardless of the person’s level of religious observance. If a close relative is grieving, we will grieve with that person, regardless of his or her level of observance. All our fellow Jews are our relatives, and so we must be there to help when they need help, and grieve alongside them when they grieve.
Very often we have a tendency to judge, criticize and look down at people who act in ways that we believe is inappropriate. But there is only one Judge in the world – and that is Hashem. We know so little about other people, about their background, their personalities, about what makes them “tick,” and so we are not in a position to judge. Only Hashem can do that.
Judging other people distracts us from the judging that we are supposed to be doing – judging ourselves. We are to constantly be looking at ourselves to see how we can grow, how we can be better people and better Jews. Judging other people is a convenient way to avoid the hard work of judging ourselves and trying to improve – the hard work that we are supposed to be doing each and every day of our lives.
Let us follow the example of our great avot, Avraham and Yitzhak, and show respect for the divine image within each and every person, and special love for each and every Jew, all of whom are our brothers and sisters.