Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Conformity, Uniformity, and Individualism

«We pursue "sameness" with daunting vigor.  In some communities, sameness renders each almost indistinguishable from the other.  Same hat.  Same clothes. Same curriculum.  Lots of same!

Pity the poor outcast in such a community.  Pity him the vile looks and whispers.  Pity him the various ways a group imposes its will both overtly and subtly. 

But when goodness, learning and holiness are the goal, shouldn't everyone share it?  Of course.  That is the individual and collective mission of the Jew.  It is the reason why Yaakov not only blessed the individual with unique blessings but assured that the twelve would form a prototype community to usher in all Jewish communities of the generations to follow, communities that would support and reinforce each of their individual members.»
To Confer a Blessing - Judaism - Israel National News
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14224#.UqsXzZuwHQU


Kol Tuv,
RRW

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