If our intent is really l’sheim Shamayim, we have to be ready to back down
One of the most powerful memories we take away from the Yamim Noraim is the feeling of unity. We joined together, transcending communal divisions, and davened for all Klal Yisrael. We begged Hashem to grant His people a favorable judgment, and shower His blessings of peace and prosperity upon us. Now, as we begin the new year, we hope the unity will last.
The Yamim Noraim also left us with a firm conviction to be faithful servants of Hashem. This year, we want to do Hashem’s will. No more excuses; no more compromises. We want to live l’sheim Shamayim.
Unfortunately, unity and living l’sheim Shamayim don’t always go hand in hand. All of us are involved in community life. We all want our shuls, our schools, our kehillos, and our neighborhoods to flourish. But we have different ideas on how things should be done.
Sometimes it’s so clear to us that we’re right. We try to show others the flaws in their reasoning, but somehow they still don’t see the light. The dialogue becomes heated, and before we know it, a full-blown machlokes erupts. In matters of lesser importance, we’re ready to compromise. But when avodas Hashem is at stake, we’re unwilling to budge one inch. After all, we have to live l’sheim Shamayim.
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