Real peace requires peace from within

In a year marked by such deep pain, loss, and internal division, the high holy days bring with them the annual opportunity for reflection and reconnecting. While the entire holiday season celebrates the themes of family and community, particularly within the symbols and customs of Yom Kippur and Sukkot, we can (re)learn how to bridge our differences and overcome disharmony.

Within the text of the famed Kol Nidrei prayer at the very outset of the Yom Kippur service, we recite, “Anu matirim lehitpalel im haavaryanim” (We permit to pray alongside transgressors). While one might find this line perplexing, the lesson is clear that particularly on this day, we must put aside even more personal differences and grievances.

Sukkot is symbolised by the four species, each with its own unique identity yet with the ability to unite in order to achieve the impact of the mitzvah. Similarly, the sukkah itself is an “open tent” of Jewish identity where there’s a strong custom to invite others to eat and relax within its confines and break down any boundaries.

Tragically, we can lose sight of the power of these messages and forget what it means to be accepting of differences of opinion, observance, and even belief.

While it’s difficult to think back to before 7 October, it’s important to recall that in the days and weeks before that horrific date, Israel was caught up in turmoil that was deeply tragic, even threatening to our continued existence.

Amidst the conflict and protests against judicial reform, Jews were turning against Jews on Israel’s streets in confrontations that often bordered on outright violence. In one of the most disturbing displays of internal discord, last Yom Kippur, on the very day where unity and sanctity should prevail, public prayer services were vocally attacked by forces who decided to make religious services the target of their political anger.

While many thought that this would be the darkest moment of the new year, we all know what followed less than two weeks later, and continues to haunt us until this day.

Even as we mourn the losses of war and remain in a period of deep fear and uncertainty about what may lie ahead, it’s our responsibility not to lose sight of our national need to remain focused on unity.

Our enemies certainly recognise that when we’re a divided people, we’re a weaker people. It’s incumbent upon us to appreciate that if we’re unable to address our internal strife, we’ll be that much less able to address the myriad external threats that challenge us now and in the future.

Alongside the national call for solidarity with our soldiers and the piercing cries for the safety and return of our hostages, our prayers must focus on returning unity to our people. This is the true message of this time of year, and if we can embrace it, realise it, and live it, may we hope to be blessed with a new year of greater safety, security, peace, and health.

• Rabbi David Stav is the founder and chairperson of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization.