Resolve Divisive Issues
We should express our ahavas Yisrael by speaking with each other peacefully and in a friendly manner, and by reaching unanimous decisions on matters that previously caused a divide.
Iyar 28, 5747, address to the Lubavitch Women’s Organization, Hisvaaduyos, p. 156
Full Respect
During the period of sefirah, Jewish law places restrictions on matters associated with rejoicing. This is due to our “mourning the twenty-four thousand students of Rabbi Akiva who died during this period.” The Talmud relates that the cause of their death was mipnei she’lo nahagu kavod zeh lazeh—“because they did not conduct themselves with respect one to the other.”
Now, since this involves a law in Toras Chesed—“the Torah of Kindness”—and because the Torah applies eternally—“Torah” comes from hora’ah, “instruction”—the death of Rabbi Akiva’s students must present us with a clear, positive directive. We are not only to observe the aspect of “mourning” during this period, but primarily concern ourselves with mending the failure to act with respect. To do this, we should increase our love for our fellow Jews, and act respectfully towards each other to the fullest extent. (Parshas Emor 5747, Hisvaaduyos, p. 144)
