This morning we woke up with a new reality and perhaps the beginning of a new world order, as victory was declared by the BREXIT “Leave” campaign after months of intense campaigning. For many of you living on this side of the pond, the vote was a very interesting news story and something to watch with strong interest, but as someone who grew up in the UK and has relatives and many friends in the UK, this was a story we were watching with bated breath.
Some of my colleagues felt they should vote to “Stay” and some felt very strongly that “Leave” was the only way forward. The dramatic outcome and results of this vote will probably continue to play out over the next few months and years, with repercussions that will be felt in a global manner.
We all want stability for the world markets and yearn for countries and societies to get along with each other and learn to help one another thrive and prosper. At the same time we don’t all share the same perspective on how that should get done, and what the best way forward would be to achieve that goal. Some in the UK perceived a united Europe as being a crucial piece of how to make the UK and perhaps the continent at large a better place. Some strongly felt that it was by leaving Europe, that England and in turn the EU had the best chance for dealing with its challenges and strategic goals.
Interestingly, in this week’s Parsha we read about how the twelve separate tribes of the Jews used to live together during their forty years in the desert. They all recognized that they were part of one people, yet at the same time, they all lived in their own distinct tribal area and encampment. This was true when they were in any one of their forty two stationary encampments over the forty years during the desert and this was true even when they travelled and moved through the desert in between those encampments.
In fact, it was actually a series of mini blocks, with each block comprising of three tribes, under the banner or flag of just one of those tribes. Usually one block led by the tribe of Judah was on the eastern flank of the Jewish camp and Dan was on the back end of the camp.
Our sages explain that this layout was not just random, rather each tribe had a distinct role and responsibility that led to them being placed in their specific geographical position. Judah which represented a very strong military force and also a tribe steeped in Torah study was put at the front of the camp because of who they were. Dan was placed at the back, because they were unique in their sense of humility and their position there served to remind others of the importance of this trait. Additionally they were given the job of sorting through all the lost and found from the two million people who passed before them and making sure that items and (sometimes values and morals) were returned to their owners. Likewise each tribe was placed at their unique location for a specific purpose and reason and based on what they could contribute to the Jewish people.
Perhaps the most important thing for their geographical layout, was the Tabernacle, the seat of the Divine presence, which was placed smack in the middle of the entire camp. Yes, every tribe had a unique geographical position and specific responsibility both during calm times and also when travelling to new destinations and challenges, and yes, each tribe brought something unique to the table of the Jewish people. At the same time, what kept them united, was their common goal and sense of communal and spiritual responsibility, which constantly reminded them that they were all playing a critical role of in a greater master plan that would benefit everyone in the long run.
In fact, we are told that all travel began when the Tabernacle and the Cloud of Glory that was on top of it, began to move. It was at that point that all the camps and tribes around it began to move forward. Likewise, when the Tabernacle and the Cloud of Glory which symbolized the Divine presence, came to a halt after a long trip, it was the cue taken by everyone that it is time to setup their camp once again.
None of us can control the world geopolitics and world alliances, and history has shown us that alliances can happen between the greatest enemies, and international deals can fall apart all too soon. Yet perhaps, taking a lesson from the story of the camps of the Jewish people, we can extend its obvious lessons to the broader global world community. Not always, does every tribe have to be one entity with the next tribe, perhaps at times yes, and perhaps at times no. However what was important, was the recognition and realization that while each tribe may be distinct and have its own role, they are also part of a greater nation with a common shared goal and spiritual objective.
Globally too, each country adds something powerful and unique to the beautiful tapestry of humanity. Not always, do we have to be one entity in order to express that unity, and sometimes remembering our distinct talents and roles what we can contribute to society, is a healthy thing. With that said, the critical piece is remembering the common spiritual and moral bonds that should and do bind us all together. In our own way, we must remember and think about, what is our Tabernacle and divine mission and purpose that unites us and brings us all together to make the world into the better place that it needs to be.
We can’t change the world at large, but perhaps with this perspective we will succeed from the bottom up, when each individual lives and breathes this perspective into the world around them.
Good luck to Great Britain and good luck to Europe at large!
Good Shabbos & Shabbat Shalom