I Have an Opinion!

Q: Why do Jewish mothers make great parole officers?

A: They never let anyone finish a sentence.

***

If I were to stand today and announce that our president is the greatest in the history of United States , I would receive the same reaction as if I were to say that Napoleon Bonaparte is known to history for his good looks. But it’s an opinion nevertheless.

We all hold opinions on topics as varied as the best topping for pizza or the debate about global warming. An opinion can be born through thought or lack thereof, and once an opinion is established, the attitude is often “It’s my way or the highway.” Every individual thinks he is absolutely correct; end of story.

Unfortunately, intellectual arguments often escalate into much greater feuds. What began as a difference of views may become a power struggle that is at best unproductive, or at worst destructive.

*

Here’s a slice of history. In the latter part of the first century lived Rabbi Akiva, one the greatest of all sages. He had 24,000 students who passed away within a month’s time, ending on Lag Baomer which we’ll celebrate this Sunday. Only five students remained.

Our sages teach us that the cause for this catastrophe was the lack of mutual respect amongst the disciples.

As a rule, everyone thinks differently; each man has his own style and perspective. So too, these Torah scholars each interpreted the teachings of Rabbi Akiva in their own way, thereby leading to difference in practice. This quickly led to strife as every student passionately felt that his friends had erred in their understanding. G-d deals strictly with His beloved, and they were punished.

Besides for a great lesson in respect, nothing remains of the 24,000 – neither their names nor their teachings. However, the names of the surviving five are recorded throughout the Talmud, and their teachings guide us until this day.

*

The beauty of this world is the diversity. Can you imagine a world in which we all felt and thought the alike on every issue; a universe with no arguments, no debates and no fights? No leaders, no teachers and no knowledge. It sounds like communism, or the kind of dark projection science fiction creates of life in a super-technological, psychologically-regulated society.

We don’t look alike and we don’t think alike. That’s not a curse; it’s a blessing. Each human is unique, possessing special qualities and strengths, and that what’s great about this world – we are all “one of a kind.”

Let’s agree to disagree on almost everything, because on one thing we all agree: WE NEED MOSHIACH NOW!