My wife recently pointed out to me that I’ve changed since we were married, particularly in my attitude towards those from different communities and with less religious commitment. It seems I’ve lost some of my elitism and disdain for others. I pointed out that it would be pretty sad if I hadn’t changed at all in the past 13 years and that she has changed also in many positive ways. But, to her point, she is correct and that can probably be attributed to a combination of my exposure to Religious Zionist writings and to the burdens and challenges of the real world.
It is easy for those living in the protective confines of a yeshiva to look down upon those who fail to live up to every standard. However, once you are exposed to the responsibilities of real life and the challenges of going out into the world, you gain greater respect for what people are able to maintain and understanding for their imperfections. This is also emphasized in the writings of Rav Kook and his followers, who (used to?) look at the positive in everything and everyone, even atheism.
To this point, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has an excellent insight into this week’s Torah reading about the importance of a rabbi identifying with and respecting his community (link)…
