Some imagine that in a perfect world there will be no distinctions of poor and wealthy, haves and have-nots. All will be the same.
Heaven forbid we should live in such a world.
A healthy world is one in which I do not have what you have and you do not have what I have—and so we both need one another.
In a truly healthy universe, all human beings will realize that we all need one another. May that be very soon.
Socialism was mentioned. We know that many Jews followed because the promise that this would erase antisemitism, Obviously, it didnn't and it bcame worse with Communism. ALL in the name of equality without religion. Those Jews made a mistake with the effort to not be singled out as Jews and be attacked. The Rebbe has another point which is based on the reality of people's means. Sadly, this is the way the world functions: some rich and some poor. That is why we have the injuction of Tzedaka= justice in action. Moreover, in a earthly disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake instinctively we turn to help one another and the world becomes richer that way too. This should be daily not only when a disaster strikes. Reply
I have lived fleetingly I would say. I have moved more times than I believe I could remember. Somehow I learned to accept the circumstances regardless of whether I was setting the table with crystal or with pieces of stoneware I found at a thrift store. For the last forty years my life has been primarily alone, with words I would write or things I would learn, as my relationship with G-d developed. Basically, I have been alone with Him. My relationship with others has been on the surface, meaningful, in the moment but passing. Camaraderie is very different than being in the relationship that I believe the Rebbe is talking about, “We need each other”, yes, most importantly to accomplish Hashem’s purpose for each one of us and we are a part of the whole. I see this marvelous process from a distance and now in my own heart and soul. It is an incredible time.
Yes, I want to do my part. I too lift my cup up with the Rebbe, knowing Hashem is the Director of it all. Amen.
Reply
Many years ago I lived in an old mobile home, parked on a postage stamp sized piece of property. Trailor Trash was my label at the time. I loved my little home so much because it was mine lock stock and barrel and no mortgage, . It was all I could afford with my minimum wage salary. I furnished it with yard sale items. NOTHING anyone thought about my station in life mattered to me as much as living within my means did. There were no obstacle between me and the Almighty, I never felt lesser than anyone else because of my labels from society. I have lived a rich and full life at 82 years old and never seem to need more than I was given by God. If I really wanted something most of the time I found it at a yard sale, what a thrill and a bargain too. Or some people a thrill is the same whether it's buying a Yacht. a mansion, or a Trailor. These days my station would have been poverty stricken, but to me I was richer than some of the "rich" people I cleaned house for. Reply
It reminds me of the 1989 earthquake in the Bay Area, and the story of the Dr who had to do surgery to save a young person partially pinned deep under the debris of the collapsed Bay Bridge. That brings me to tears! Thank you. Reply
Such excellent words! Reply
Within a deeper level of reality everybody exists in an interdependent, interconnected network. Each has their divine, designated role to nourish the system.
Any self-serving individual causes the system to malfunction. This world represents the outcome of this attitude.
We need to correct our attitude in order to change our world to reveal that higher level of life where G_d's abundance, peace and joy can flow through us.
Reply
Shabbat Shalom!🌹
There are many people who are rich, yet they are poor. And there are many people who are poor, yet they are rich. Our value is not about SELF, but it is given to us by GD. I have been taught by people who were considered to be uneducated, and their greatest gift to me was that they were taught by GD. I have been taught by great educators, and their gift to me was their humility and meekness because they were taught by GD. As the Rebbe conveys, bless his righteous memory, we each have a colorful piece of the puzzle that the other needs to be connected to be apart of the whole -- to complete GD's beautiful mosaic masterpiece picture. That is the way GD planned it, that is the way He wanted it to be, and that is the way that it WILL BE. 🕊💜
Reply
This is a superb one-paragraph refutation of socialism Marxism and communism Reply
Our religion is so deep! Our religion is so wise! Baruch Hashem! Reply
The difference is that every action we do for the other has an altruistic intention. This takes us to the next level. The spiritual level. This was lacking in the other mentioned ideologies. Reply
Teach the Tanya on this site. So important, particularly now. Reply
One of the best doses of wisdom I've read so far. Never a truer word has been published. Amen. Reply
Coronavirus delivers a stern message to shift from ego mode to collective consideration. Covid teaches us the need to live in mutual responsibility towards each other. According to the schedule of creation, we have exhausted the ego phase. Now we are in transition to a new way of existence. We won't be able to return to the old normal as evident. Only essential work will remain while others will receive Basic Universal Income from government. Out new task will involve forming a society that aims for a higher purpose. Reply
These words are so important, especially at this time in world history. When and if this concept is truly understood, our individual relationships may improve as will relationships between nations. We are not there yet, but hopefully with prayer and intellect this teaching may open the hearts of many. Reply
Unfortunately the attitude to us having equal possessions leads to a socialist viewpoint. This is actually not what is implied by the way equality of opportunity (not goods) is described in the Tanakh, when the returning tribes to the land of Canaan and their families needed to re-distribute useful sites of land. When the land is shared out we do need each other so as to work it properly, but without everybody having the rights to its opportunity, we could all take a part of the produce and not cooperate. Reply
I'm not so sure the distinctions are even there in reality. Just hidden beneath the surface of egos and misconceptions.
I had a friend who was much better off than I in education and finances. I was more gifted than she in other areas, but because of my circumstances I appeared to her as being beneath her.
I was a very talented physical trainer and she needed some training so I offered to help her, as a friend. After working with her for a time she brought me a check for "my services", I was deeply offended because I enjoy helping people with my God given gifts, which cost me nothing. After several other like situations, our fledgling friendship began to dwindle. I didn't need her money I had all the things necessary to me. I only wanted to be her friend with no distinction, but because I didn't have what she considered to be more distinguished station in life she unknowingly diminished what I did have. Everyone has equal value by the gifts God gave us, whether monetary or not.