One for All

“The entire earth had one language and a common speech.” (Bereishis 11:1)

I once asked Catholic writer Paul Johnson about his book A History of the Jews. What was his strongest impression of Judaism? He replied: “Historically, there have been societies that emphasised the individual — like the secular West today. Others have placed weight on the collective — Communist Russia or China.”

Judaism, he continued, was the most successful example he knew of that managed the delicate balance between both — giving equal weight to individual and collective responsibility. Judaism was a religion of strong individuals and strong communities.

Unwittingly, he’d paraphrased Hillel’s aphorism: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me (individual responsibility)? But if I am only for myself, what am I (collective responsibility)?” (Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Covenant & Conversation)

“Ma, what does anarchy mean?” asked Yitzi from the back seat. “My rebbi said that’s what’s happening in Afghanistan.”

We were on our way to the shoe store before Yom Tov and current events were far from my mind.

“Not just Afghanistan!” Avi leaned over to impart his older and wiser knowledge. “Even America’s full of anarchy these days.”

“It’s each person eating his friend alive.” Binyamin quoted the Mishnah for good measure. (Personally, that’s what I was dreading at the shoe store.)