The Slumber of Exile - 1

We have become accustomed through the many years of Exile to feel ourselves as separate from others and to concern ourselves with our individual advancement, both physical and spiritual. Included within this slumber is the creation of sharp distinctions between ourselves and those who are different than we are. We view others as endangering our being and way of life, and we become protective when we have to relate to them. There is an attitude of only feeling secure when we are with those who live a similar lifestyle, or come from our community of origin. We are closed and even strongly opposed to any group that is different than ours.
This deeply entrenched attitude is part of the slumber of Galus (exile). We are asleep in our relationship with the Schechina, in relationship to the Nation as a whole. This concept is beyond our comprehension and from our outlook on life.
If we were awake to the reality of the entirety of the Nation, if we felt like one large body, the entire basis of our interpersonal relationships would be vastly different. The need for unity would be clear and we would find ways to work out the differences between the limbs. Just as a body is fully functional due to the fact that it consists of disparate limbs that have unique functions, and together they form a perfect body, so too we could even find the light and blessing that come from the distinctions between people.