Purchasing Peace
I know of an individual who lives among gentiles. I once asked him where he buys his kosher food. He told me the name of a certain store. I was surprised to hear this, as it was a place far from his house. There was a kosher establishment much closer to his home. I asked why he did not patronize that place. At my innocent question, the man became livid. “I will never shop in that place! I hate the owner of that store!”
I could not understand his reaction. I pointed out that the store was not only closer to his house, but had cheaper prices than the one farther away. But this did not convince him to bring his business there. He preferred to pay more, as long as he was not supporting the other shopkeeper.
I understood that there was more to this story than met the eye, and I decided that it was up to me to create peace between the two men. I pressed him until he revealed the reason for his resentment. The other man had purchased an aliyah in their Beit Hakeneset for a higher bid. He was therefore, and according to his view, rightfully, extremely upset with him and refused to patronize his store.
I was saddened to hear this. A Jew who despises his fellow Jew on account of his acquiring an aliyah demonstrates baseless hatred. This repulsive character flaw is what delays our redemption, forcing us to suffer the bitter exile.
If we beseech Hashem to send us Mashiach, it is up to us to rise above petty arguments and dissention. We must shake off the cloak of baseless hatred, which has made inroads in our society. Only then will Hashem call a halt to our suffering and send us the geulah.
