Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
The term “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” is a metaphor suggesting that, at times, we need to focus on the long-term.
It is often used when embarking upon a difficult task or when trying to achieve systemic change. It also means that we should pace ourselves moving forward and that we should never expect immediate results or outcomes.
So how does this phrase relate to the challenge of achdut?
Achdut or Jewish unity is often applied to our Jewish community when klal yisrael joins together as one people, and as one nation both in good times and during times of crisis or danger.
Achdut is realized when the Jewish community unites together; and when we coalesce around a common threat or enemy.
In a sense, achdut is about coming together towards a common goal and common purpose.
Throughout Jewish history, we have witnessed the ebb and flow of achdut bnei yisrael – from the unifying moment when we received the Torah at Har Sinai as an ish echad b’lev echad, to when we exhibited sinat chinam (baseless hatred) resulting in the destruction of the bais HaMikdash..
True achdut is about unity, not uniformity. We never need to think alike in order to be united on a position or “on the same page”.
According to several sociologists achdut may even serve as our Jewish communal defense mechanism against danger, persecution, uncertainty and crisis.
Prior to the horrifying October 7th massacre, we witnessed violent demonstrations in Israel regarding proposed Judicial reform laws. This was followed by demonstrations between police and yeshiva students in response to the proposed induction of yeshiva students into the IDF.
These divisions appeared to dissipate immediately following October 7th, when acheinu focused once again on an existential threat from its surrounding enemies.
Several years ago, I conducted a series of leadership seminars for about 80 yeshiva and Jewish day school teens.
We talked about the challenges impacted the Jewish community, including the lack of achdut.
I asked the group to define the term achdut. I then proceeded to asked them to identify select examples of what it means be united in true achdut.
The responses varied from – we all need to be on the same page, to we must all agree with each other, to we need to find a common ground for ahavat yisrael.
These responses were totally expected. They each represented critically important characteristics of achdut. However, there was one phrase which was absent – “DERECH ERETZ”.
Not one student mentioned the term respect or phrase derech eretz. It was just not part of their lexicon when defining achdut.
When I shared this response with them, many were puzzled as to how and why derech eretz would be fundamental to achieving achdut.
I then proceeded to demonstrate the relationship between achdut and derech eretz. It was a great conversation.
Three months later, as part of a Jewish identity-building seminar, I repeated this exercise with twenty young adults. The responses were exactly the same. Not one person suggested the importance of derech eretz when describing achdut.
In light of this reality, we must ask ourselves the question – is it really feasible to achieve true achdut in the absence of derech eretz?
Achieving communal achdut goes hand-in-hand with derech eretz. If we do not respect each other, achdut becomes an impossible exercise.
I would therefore like to suggest that we are conditioned to think about “derech eretz” as an interpersonal relationship between two people, not towards a group, or community.
One has derech eretz for a parent, for a teacher, a rebbe or for the store owner at a checkout counter. But derech eretz for a group of people or for a community, is a concept or a position which is foreign to most.
This is not an easy concept, but one which nevertheless requires deeper and a more serious conversation.
The challenge of how we demonstrate derech eretz towards one another is a challenge which requires significant review and analysis.
Finally the attainment of achdut requiring a marathon and not a sprint should be embedded in our understanding of how achdut is created, and how it can be sustained.
First, it is essential to understand why and how achdut is a fundamentally Jewish concept and value.
Standing together with acheinu bnai yisrael in order to support an important position is critical – whether it be standing with Israel, promoting Jewish values, or adhering to principles of civility and respect in our community.
Establishing levels of achdut requires a process, it takes time, and it requires conviction, understanding and agreement. And yes, it requires a sense of urgency, a level of respect and derech eretz.
Achdut does not happen overnight, nor does it occur on the impulse of the moment, or only when we are in crisis. It is a process and should feel more like a marathon, and not a sprint.
It begins with understanding the issues, having respect for those who are not like-minded; supporting a commonality of understanding; and acting in a civil and respectful manner with those who may be disagreeable.
As we know, the positions we take are mixed with imperfection.
Having said that, it is incumbent upon all of acheinu bnai yisrael to create the right conditions required to support sustainable achdut.
It is our responsibility and obligation which indeed becomes a life-long marathon and not a sprint.
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. Dr. Botwinick is co-founder of LEV Consulting Associates and producer/host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast series.
