Dr. Chaim Botwinick
As we know, so much has been written about the power, impact, outcome and
causes for achdut. In fact, achdut may be one of the most commonly
discussed and debated topics throughout our Jewish history.
There have been brief periods of time in our history when achdut became the
norm; and unfortunately, there were times when a lack of achdut led to our
national misfortune or disaster.
Ask any Jewish day middle or high school student today the question of what
caused the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash and they will automatically
respond – “sinat chinam” and the “lack of achdut”.
So if we understand the meaning and causes for achdut, why is it so elusive,
challenging and difficult to achieve; and, moreover, why is achdut usually
more evident during or following a national calamity or crisis.
The Elusive Achdut Factor
Since the beginning of the Israel-Iran war, not unlike the post October 7th
impact on Israeli society, acheinu bnai yisrael have continuously stormed the
heavens with special tfillot, and words of chizuk in addition to the continued
recitation of tehillim and other brachot.
Not unlike other wars or national crises which Israel has faced or confronted in
the past, our responses have always been the same – to foster and create a
stronger connection and bond with one another and to develop a more
profound sense of connectedness and achdut. To be sure, it makes no
difference if one is religious or secular, during times of crisis achienu bnai
yisrael rely heavily upon each other and stand together byachad, as one
unified nation.
It is also interesting to note that immediately following the horrendous October
7 th attack by Hamas as well as throughout the current Israel-Iran war, our
personal and spiritual relationship to HaShem intensified in ways never before
imaginable,
Several examples included the increased number of Israelis who began to
wear tzitzit in addition to putting on teffillin at home, in shuls and on the
battlefield. The explosive growth of chesed and tzedaka projects that
proliferated in Israel and in diaspora Jewish communities; the increased
number people who devoted themselves to increased Torah study and
learning; and an overall increased sense of collective responsibility,
compassion and care for one another.
These were just a select few of the realities which we are also observing
during today’s Israel-Iran conflict.
Another fascinating phenomenon we are witnessing as a result of this war are
the increased number of diaspora individuals and families currently making
plans for aliyah to Israel as well as the many who are now registering for
Israel real estate fairs and consultations.
As we experience today’s events in real time, we are witnessing an
impressive array of other achdut activities permeating our Jewish
communities.
As we know, achdut does not happened in a vacuum but rather through our
unswerving ability and unwavering desire to pull together as achienu bais
yisrael in order to support Israel during this existential period of time.
All of these amazing acts of achdut are indeed welcomed and impressive.
They are also a far cry from the daunting lack of achdut we experienced and
felt prior to October 7th. If fact, the lack of achdut prior to October 7th
preoccupied our communities in Israel and in the diaspora for the better part
of a year, prior to the war against Hamas.
Parenthetically, there are early indications that even today there are specific
aspects of achdut in Israel which are beginning to unravel in light of the Israeli
government’s recent position on its army draft laws.
With the current fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire now in pla, Israel currently faces a
new series of emerging existential challenges and realities.
It is therefore logical to understand and appreciate the need for us to join
together as family and as a community kish echad and b’lev echad – like one
person with one heart.
Achdut as a Sacred Unifying Bond
The importance and efficacy of achdut has been understood and appreciated
by many Torah scholars and Sages
The great Kotzker Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgensztern of Kotzk,
Poland) is quoted as saying that achdut prevents Jewish communal tragedy
and disaster; not the other way around. Therefore, achdut should not
necessarily be perceived as the byproduct or the result of tragedy, disaster or
distress, but rather a way in which to help prevent it from even happening. In a
way, the Kotzker “flipped the script” – achdut first, as a protective shield from
tragedy; not the other way around.
It is very natural for amcha to join together in achdut following or during a
major crisis, tragedy or a catastrophe facing our people. It’s a survival instinct,
representing a natural extension of our human nature and condition.
But, irrespective of how one feels about causal relationships, the lesson from
the Kotzker is clear as day. We must always, irrespective of matzav, remind
ourselves that we will always be k’ish echad b’lev echad. We are like one
people with one heart who together represent strength, fortitude, resilience
and viability.
Achdut is both an attitude and a physical human condition and manifestation
that should be continuously motivated, encouraged, promoted and celebrated
It is about standing together through good times and challenging times. It is
not about individuality. Achdut is about the understanding and conviction that
we are all created bzelem elochim (in the image of GD) and it’s about
As a result of this amazing act of chesed, he was referred to as the achdut
tzaddik.
This is indeed a beautiful story which speaks volumes about how one person
can have the power to impact achdut (through mitzvot) on an entire
community.
Friends, we must all create a sense of achdut as a normative human condition
for our Jewish community, and not restrict its reality to a response or reaction
to disaster or tragedy.
I often think about how throughout history Hashem sends us reminders about
the critical importance of achdut and how achdut occupies a special place in
the hearts and souls of our Jewish nation. It may not always be clear, evident,
or even visible, but these reminders are present and force us more often than
not to appreciate, love and respect one another irrespective of our differences.
With HaShem’s continuous oversight, we will turn darkness into light; and we
will eradicate evil against our people through bitachon in HaShem’s power
and might.
May Hashem watch over and protect our soldiers, heal those who are
wounded, console those in mourning, free those in captivity; and guide all of
us to a successful outcome.
Am Yisrael Chai
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Chaim Botwinick is a senior executive coach and an organizational consultant . He served as
president and CEO of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and in Miami; in addition
to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an Influencer, he
has published and lectured extensively on topics relating to education, resource development,
strategic planning and leadership development. He is co-director of LEV Consulting Associates and
creater/host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast series.
