God gave us two ears and one mouth, suggesting that He wants us to listen to one another.

Why Can’t We Just Get Along?

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:7

There was a time in my life when I held deep-seated beliefs about the world around me—beliefs formed through years of community, culture, and the stories shared around dinner tables. Yet, as I observe the current climate of increasing anti-Semitism and hear hurtful phrases thrown carelessly by those unaware of their implications, I find myself bothered—a feeling that weighs heavy in my heart.

Recently, I came across the phrase "from the river to the sea." To those who proclaim it, it may seem like a fleeting expression of a political stance, but beneath it lies a grim suggestion of wiping out an entire community. As someone who values compassion and understanding, I struggle to grasp how language like this has become so normalized, so thoughtlessly cast into the ether without the weight of its impact being acknowledged.

It’s a mixture of frustration and sorrow that fills me when I consider these things. With every day that passes, I cling to hope—the hope that my fellow human beings can embrace mutual respect and compassion, rather than resorting to division and hatred.

Reflecting on the intertwined threads of our cultures brings me some comfort. The observation that “there is no Christianity without the Chanukah” resonates deeply, reminding us that our religious stories are less about separation and more about connection. Jesus walked this earth as a Jew, and the profound teachings he shared were birthed from Jewish traditions. This interwoven narrative enriches our understanding of each other.

In our differences, there is potential for growth and enlightenment. Imagine a world where our communities—Jewish and Christian, among many others—could engage in dialogue, inviting one another to share our histories and beliefs without judgment. Through storytelling, we can not only listen but also learn to appreciate the beauty in our diversity. For every tale of struggle, there is one of triumph. For every misunderstanding, there is an opportunity for connection.

Why can’t we listen more? Why can’t we sit at one table, share our experiences, and see where they intersect? The question lingers and serves as a gentle nudge toward a better path.

Let’s allow compassion to guide our conversations. Let’s show understanding instead of casting stones with our words. After all, history teaches us that together, we are stronger. The hope I harbor is that as we nurture our commonalities and respect our differences, we will step away from the precipice of hatred and toward a landscape of peace.

In a world that sometimes feels consumed by darkness, there is also a flickering flame of hope that emerges when we choose unity over division. Our stories matter, and so do our voices. Together, let’s build bridges of understanding that can span the rivers of our differences, reminding ourselves daily that acceptance, compassion, and love can lead us to a more harmonious existence.

So, to all who read this, I say: Let’s strive for understanding. Let’s learn to listen. And above all, let’s commit to fostering an environment where love prevails over hatred. Together, we can make the world a better place for generations to come.