The Torah (Bible) points out the danger of confusing unity with conformity. The generation of Terach, the father of Abraham, was ruled by a tyrant, Nimrod. It was the dor haflagah, — the generation that ultimately divided itself into many different languages and cultures.
That generation, fearful of another disastrous flood that would destroy it, resolved that by unifying all in executing a grand and all-encompassing project — the building of the great tower — it would be able to prevent divine punishment from striking it. Unity of people was necessary to even begin work on such a project.
So the world's peoples spoke only one language and spoke only of one way and one goal. This unity, which at first glance always appears to be so desirable, soon sank into a cold, ruthless and murderous conformity.
The Lord broke the conformity of the world into many languages, cultures and approaches to wisdom and service. The Jewish people were formed out of twelve different tribes that many times disagreed with one another on tactics and approaches to life and national success. The lack of conformity in Jewish life should never be seen in purely negative terms.
Our task is to preserve the basic unity of holy purpose amongst a nation of very diverse people, ideas and backgrounds. Not a small order, but one worthy of the children of Abraham.
Friday, October 12, 2007
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