When Hashem gave the Yidden the Torah, the sounds were heard across the world. The frightened nations came to ask Bilam, their most respected prophet, what the commotion was about:
Is Hashem bringing another mabul?!
No, he replied. Hashem promised never to do so again.
But maybe He’s bringing a mabul of fire?!
Hashem promised not to destroy the world in any manner.
So what’s all the noise about?!
Hashem is giving His people a precious gift, the Torah.
When they heard this, they all proclaimed ה עוז לעמו יתן, ה יברך את עמו בשלום.
What’s the connection between this pasuk and the commotion of matan Torah?
Reb Meir Schapiro of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin explained it this way. When the nations heard that the Yidden stood at Har Sinai "כאיש אחד בלב אחד" they wondered, “What sort of calamity has befallen them?! And perhaps it will soon affect us as well!” It is, after all, not uncommon for people to join together in times of danger or crisis.
When Bilam explained to the nations of the world that the unity was not in response to a crisis but rather an outcome of receiving the Torah, the nations realized that the Yidden are indeed a unique people. Through the Torah, Hashem gave them the strength to be united even during happy times.
The yetzer hara, however, is clever and constantly casts doubt. “Do you really think you can sit down with So-and-So as if you possess one heart?! Don’t you remember the unkind thing he said to you just last week?”
In the weeks before Shavuos 5746 (1986), the Rebbe made a personal request that all Yidden should hold gatherings on the Shabbos before Shavuos in order to promote achdus. The Rebbe encouraged us: Even if we’re not yet holding at the level of בלב אחד, deep emotional connection to our fellow Yid, we should start merely by acting in a loving and unified way, כאיש אחד, as though we are unified, and this will lead to בלב אחד, actual unity.
Let’s each do our part in making this a reality. The Rebbe’s message to us is that instead of reaching for the stars, let’s reach out to the Yid next door. Treat them as you’d want to be treated. Notice them. Smile. Say something kind. Do something caring. Sit down and talk.
The one time that the wolf and lamb lived peacefully together was in the teivah, during a time of world crisis. But our ideal is a time when there will be complete peace even under good circumstances, with the coming of Moshiach, may it be speedily in our day!
A Gut’n Shabbos,
Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier
