Instinctive Love for Fellow Jews
The precise words of our Sages, nahagu…—“conduct themselves with respect”—teach us that ahavas Yisrael should become our minhag—“custom.” It should be as routine and commonplace as a local custom; we should not require effort to act respectfully to each other.
Parshas Behar 5747, Hisvaaduyos, p. 148
Diversity Leads to Fuller Truth
The possibility for human beings to act towards each other with disrespect stems from the fact that G-d created us dissimilar, or, as our Sages put it, ein dei’oseihem shavos—no two minds think alike. But why did G-d create us with such mental diversity? So that, through presenting a wide-spectrum of views on any given topic, together we can formulate many innovative ideas, each person innovating according to the nature of his unique intellect. The end result is a far more correct understanding, conclusion, and ultimate decision.
Firstly, different people with varied approaches discuss a topic between them, without any of them subduing or foregoing his personal opinion on the matter—doing so would run contrary to G-d’s purpose in creating people with diverse natures. They then evaluate the matter from many angles, and reach a final conclusion—a far truer conclusion than if but a single opinion would have been considered.
Obviously, in addition to the friendship that is eventually forged by reaching a unanimous and well-rounded conclusion, the actual discussions need to be carried out peacefully and with full respect for each participant.
This, then, is what is required of us during the sefirah. Even where a disharmonious situation already exists—as was the case with the students of Rabbi Akiva—we are to introduce peace between the parties. By doing so, we generate far greater peace than that which existed prior to the divide. This is similar to a document whose validity has been challenged and subsequently researched and proven in Court; it now carries far greater authenticity than a document that remains unchallenged—and therefore unproven. (Ibid., pp. 144–145)
The Torah’s Way
And should there remain some issue about which the two sides cannot discuss and reach an agreement—let them go to a third party, who will arbitrate between them. That “third party” should be the Rabbis in their location. After hearing the Rabbis’ ruling, both sides should then conduct themselves according to the directive and decision of Halachah. This is the way things are done according to the Torah—as should be plainly obvious. (Ibid., p. 146)
Regular Behavior
After all, this wording is completely unusual for such a phrase. Seemingly, the Sages should have phrased it, “they did not show respect for each other,” or more simply, “they did not respect each other”—or something along those lines. Nevertheless, they choose the term “conduct” in order to teach us that acting respectfully should become one’s regular behavior. (Parshas Behar 5747, Hisvaaduyos, p. 148)
