I realize the question seems, to many, to be the somewhat exclusive and individualistic.
My answer is simplistic and yet profound, "It is not the person, but rather, what he represents, and how he portrays himself to his constituents and to mankind. Remember well, as Jews we need to realize that we do not live in a bubble, and we need, at all times, to be concerned for others."
I recall hearing Rabbi Aaron Soloveitchik ז׳ל sharing his insights regarding our patriarchs, specifically Avraham and Yitzchak. He studied both personalities and how they related to others and how we can emulate them in our way of life.
He said, "Avraham Avinu represents the attribute of Chesed, and was dedicated to righteousness and justice, which, in essence, when combined forms the attribute of Chesed. In Yahadut, Chesed is the Summa Bonum of Judaism. It is the highest level of moral and spiritual dimensions, as Dovid Hamelech exclaimed, "עולם חסד יבנה "The world is built upon the attribute of Chesed".
Yitzchak, however, is symbolic of Gevurah, and this personality of Gevurah does not refer to his physical strength as some might think, but rather to a life of Perseverance and unlimited Patience.
Rabbenu Bachaye, reflected on Yitzchak reopening the wells of Avraham that were sealed by the Philistines did not allow himself to become frustrated by the obstacles that were thrown in his way. With this action, Yitzchak demonstrated the essence of Gevurah, a firm determination to not allow himself to be swayed by frustration and he continued to act with Perseverance, and unlimited Patience.
Elections come and go. New and old politicians will come on the scene, but we must be determined that our lives are not controlled by others. Our lives are a direct emulation of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs, always portraying themselves with great Chesed, perseverance and patience.
With these thoughts in mind and in our pursuit of forming better relationships with one another, I was truly dismayed and disappointed that in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh tragedy, a Rabbi, had the audacity to promote a hateful speech claiming that these innocent Holy Jews, our Kedoshim, who were murdered in a Synagogue, died as a punishment for their sinful behavior. I am ashamed to include such a dastardly and hateful remark in my blog,spoken by a Rabbi, or any Jew against another Jew. Such an act of Chilul Hashem cannot and must not go unmentioned and must be condemned.
Out motto must be, "ועשית הישר והטוב בעיני ה׳ , You shall do that which is right and good in the eyes of G-D".
This is our overall principle of Holiness.One that will guide all of our decisions and suffuse all our actions with that which is right and good in the eyes of man and G-D. A poignant story comes to mind that I would like to share with you, "An elephant fell in love with a butterfly. Not knowing how to handle the situation, he went and asked advice from the owl. The owl suggested that the elephant become a butterfly. The elephant went home and tried to become a butterfly. After struggling with the idea, he went back to the owl, and told him it was a good idea but how do I accomplish this task? "
The owl replied,"I am sorry. I only formulate the idea, you have to implement it."
In a like manner, I can only make an assessment of the ills of society. We can ameliorate the problems that we are faced with, but each and every one of us must do our share to bring about a better world for man, under the influence of Hashem's Torah and Mitzvot to live a true life of Chesed and Patience towards others.
All our efforts to make our world a better place to live successfully, can only be achieved when we make the מצוה of ואהבת לרעך כמוך our priority in life.
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