Close and Distant

In Chabad, we never say that we are “bringing close those who are distant.”

It is forbidden to harm a person with words, and these words are an insult to those you wish to reach.

And it is also simply untrue. There are no Jews who are distant.

When you know the truth and live in a world of truth, you see that every Jew is close.

Sichot Kodesh 5740, vol. 3, 102–103.

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6 Comments

max February 20, 2024

yes, we are one. jew, gentile. rich, poor. black, white. male, female. old, young. all one in our creator, in whose image and likeness we all are. Reply

Maria New York, NY November 3, 2022

Woooowww! Awesome, Rav!
May we all strive to live in the truth.
Thanks. Reply

Helen Australia November 3, 2022

Unfortunately I don’t see it this way. I and my family have been discriminated a few times and considered non Jewish because I was Sephardi.
For me anyhow, every human being is the same regardless of their differences. As a Jew I am no better or worse than my fellow human kind, with my flaws and merits.
I have a strong faith in the entity, but I am disillusioned with some of my fellows Jews. Reply

Maria New York, NY November 3, 2022

in response to Helen:

I too am Sephardi, and I also have experienced discrimination and overt rejection from fellow Jews. I know how painful it is being alone on Shabbat, having no one to share with on the High Holidays and other solemnities and festivities, if you don't have a welcoming community. At least you have a family, BH. Some of us are not so lucky, some of us are old, childless, and single. We feel... forlorn.
So, let "them" see "different" Jews as distant. You, see things as Rabbi says. Strive to live in a world of truth. As our father Salomon ha melech said, seek wisdom and walk in its footsteps.
May Hashem bless you and your family abundantly.

Shabbat shalom! Reply

Matthew Hall Saint Cloud May 5, 2024

in response to Maria:

Thank you. Particularly helpful and kind. Reply

Allyson Adelaide November 3, 2022

I loved the intent of this piece, having me literally bring the last few words of a Jew close. Clever. Reply

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