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Why Can't We Be Friends?
Bottom line, we are one family.
Published:
January 14, 2012
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Visitor Comments: 13
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About the Author
Rabbi Gavriel Friedman
Originally from New York, Rabbi Gavriel Friedman has spent the last decade studying and teaching in various Yeshivot throughout Jerusalem. He is currently teaching at Aish HaTorah Jerusalem, where his lectures highlight the entire gamut of Aish programs, including the Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships, Executive Learning Center, and more. An up-and–coming star of the Jewish speaking circuit, Rabbi Friedman has lectured in dozens of cities around the globe, including Johannesburg, London, Montreal, and across the East Coast of the United States. Rabbi Friedman’s charisma captivates audiences of all ages and inspires men and women across the Jewish spectrum. His unique ability to present Torah concepts in an intriguing yet entertaining fashion leaves his audiences thirsting for more. Rabbi Friedman currently resides in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem, with his wife and children.
_(english).jpg "Friends for Life")
(12) Joan Levin Sacks, February 16, 2012 3:23 AM
I wish you could see the smile on my face after reading this message.
Thank you.
(11) José Manuel dos Santos, January 19, 2012 11:41 PM
RIGHT, AMEN!
AMEN, AMEN AND AMEN! RIGHT ON THE DOT. KEEP LOOKING UP!
(10) Philip M, January 19, 2012 9:09 PM
Wonderful message
Thank you R' Friedman! Looking forward to more vblogs! I miss learning with you in the Holy City.
(9) reuven, January 19, 2012 1:49 PM
Jews and others
I would answer that ideally that all humanity should be friends and care for one another; but the starting place is with those who are closest to you. We start with family and extend outwards. If one cannot relate well to those immediately in proximity, one is going to have trouble relating properly to those with whom has less connection. If we can love and respect our fellow Jews, we have a solid starting point for extending this love to all of humanity. Similar to the idea that if one does not love and respect him/her self, it will hamper having love and respect for others. Universalism is the ideal; but it must grow out of a particularism-a foundation upon which to build. Otherwise, if one reaches to high too soon, there is a danger of failure on the most fundemental level. (note the two paragraphs of the 'aleinu prayer).
(8) raisy, January 19, 2012 4:21 AM
the commonalities forged by belief in One G-d are way greater than the differences between us
If you think about the profundity of these words 'chaveirim kol yisroel' the conclusion--for me--is that by accepting the sovereignty of G-d I am a transformed human being. From one who thinks that I can control my destiny to one who understands there is a Power greater than me to whom I owe servitude. This understanding--which all kippah-wearing jews accept unites us in such a powerful way that the differences between us shrink in significance. Also, accepting G-d as our Father makes us all brothers and then the feeling of connectedness and responsibility surfaces. Judaism is awesome!