Even with all the things going on nowadays, the news this week was dominated with the emerging deal with Iran. The President and his allies have hailed it as a major diplomatic achievement, while many others passionately spoke out against it. In a rare moment of unity, all the major political parties in Israel communicated their deep concern regarding this treaty and Jewish groups in the United States also shared their reservations. As a rule I don’t get politically involved - our job is to bring every Jew closer to their own heritage and not just reach out to Jews who agree with me politically. Many of my colleagues argue that this case is different, “there is the real possibility that this could lead - Heaven forbid! - to the destruction of the Jewish people living in the Holy Land,” they say. And it’s true. The implications of this deal are immense. Take into account that the Iranians have consistently and publicly demonstrated their hatred for Israel and the West, even as recently as last week. In addition, they haven’t let up on their financial and material support of terrorist groups and they haven’t got a very honest track record, to say the least. The timing of this news is quite fascinating in a number of ways and in my opinion has some very important lessons for us all. First, the weekly Torah portion. This week we read about the request of two and a half of the tribes of Israel. After 40 years of waiting to enter the Land of Israel, they requested to settle outside the land, across the Jordan, in a region that had ideal conditions for their many flock. At first Moshe was angered by the request - “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?” He asked them. Do you think that by settling outside the land you can avoid the destiny of your brethren? We often think that since we live outside of Israel that we don’t have to be all that concerned with what is happening there. The truth is that we are one people and no matter where we live, we share the destiny of our brothers and sisters in Israel. And not only on a metaphysical level, also on a practical one - Israel may be on the frontlines, but we’re not that far behind. What happens to them is extremely relevant to us. Second, the time on the Jewish calendar. Today is the beginning of the month of Av, in the middle of the Three Weeks, the time when we mourn the destruction of the Temple many years ago. Our sages tell us that the cause of the destruction was the fact that the Jewish people then didn’t treat each other with the due respect they deserved. Then, as now, there were vigorous debates as to how to deal with the nations that were threatening the Jewish people. Some felt diplomacy would achieve long term stability and others felt that only a military confrontation will achieve their goals. In recounting the events that caused the subsequent destruction of the Holy Temple, the Talmud doesn’t take a side in the political arguments of the time. It only notes that the destruction and persecution that followed were a result of the fact that the people allowed their disagreement to turn into animosity and hatred among themselves. Let us learn this important lesson from our history; whatever your position on the Iran deal, or any other important matter today, it’s integral to always keep in mind: You can disagree but don’t be disagreeable.
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