The Unity of Difference
A thought on Parashas Noach
In the first 2000 years after creation, termed Tohu U’Vohu, limits seemed non-existent. This was a time period which spanned from Adam’s creation all the way until Avraham. It was a time of extreme Chesed which knew no bounds. People lived for centuries and matured rapidly. People knew no boundaries, leading them to the worst corruption and perversion. This lack of societal limits culminated in the Mabul, which spread water without boundaries, submerging everything, from mountains to deserts. Everything was unified under water, necessitating a redefinition of boundaries.
With the Tower of Bavel, humanity once again wanted to be a singular entity, without limits. Everyone spoke the same language and shared a common goal: to build a tower with no height constraints.
This sounds like such a beautiful thing, everyone got along… What was wrong with the picture?
The idea of a movement is a powerful one, but it needs to be formed correctly. A movement becomes problematic when its followers believe their way is the only right way, similar to a Migdal Bavel. Even broad-minded ideologies, like liberalism, can be dangerous if they become the sole worldview.
To better understand this, let’s rewind to the creation of the world - when the world was created with ten Mamaros, ten utterances. Hashem did not simply say let there be a world and poof the world as we know it came into existence. Rather, it was crafted over days, with distinct separations like light from darkness, and seas from skies. Through the act of separation, so much more was created. In fact the world would likely not be the beautiful colorful world we know it, if not for the idea of separation. We would have a monotonous world with a single dog breed, flower type, or landscape. By separating creation, God created a beautiful, varied world.
The achdus that Hashem wants to see, is an achdus of different entities coming together for a common purpose. It doesn't mean uniformity. When all the different elements of creation come together, they form a masterpiece.
This is similar to an orchestra which has a variety of instruments in its ensemble. We would never expect the violinist to start drumming. Each instrument comes at the right time with the right notes and harmonies to create a perfect symphony.
The world too has many different types of animals, plants, humans which all express themselves differently. True achdus is when they all come together to create a symphony honoring our Creator, Hashem.
The architects of the Tower of Bavel sought a unified world order. Their vision prompted Hashem to enhance global diversity. Humanity fragmented into 70 nations, each with its unique angel, language, culture, and appearance.
The reality of the world has now changed. Avraham Avinu, as the leader of the following generation, took the aspect of Chesed which was until now unrestrained and put a line on it. From his time on, lifespans decreased, making mankind more aware of life's boundaries and ultimately appreciating the Master Designer of the universe.
True achdus arises when we acknowledge our individual and collective uniqueness. Like the Torah's 70 interpretations, 70 nations contribute to a harmonious world. We must recognize that we don't need to change anyone else or be the same as everyone else, but we must all come with our differences and be cognizant of our Creator.
Once we realize that we were each created with our unique talents, personalities and quirks and can have achdus together. Then we can get along and accept one another, thereby increasing our honor of Hashem. As we exemplify this, other nations will mirror our actions and will realize the same about themselves. From there, we will have the great day when all the nations of the world will understand that Hashem is the Creator of the world.
Close your eyes for a moment and envision how our world would transform if every individual and nation recognized, celebrated, and harmonized their unique attributes, all while honoring the singular, unifying force that is Hashem.
(Based on ideas in Shuvi V’Nechzeh, Noach and Talelei Chaim, Noach)
This is a really beautiful idea.
“The achdus that Hashem wants to see, is an achdus of different entities coming together for a common purpose. It doesn't mean uniformity. When all the different elements of creation come together, they form a masterpiece.”
Love this!!!