It’s the Nine Days. It’s hot and sticky, and there’s no swimming or trips or barbecues…and the kids are fighting. What else is new?
“Kids,” you say, for the umpteenth time that day, “don’t you know this is the time of year when we’re supposed to be extra nice to each other? Do you know the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because of sinas chinam, because Jews did not get along with each other? The way to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash is by working on our ahavas Yisrael—like by being mevater to your little brother…”
By now you’re a pro at giving this little speech; after all, you do it practically on the hour when the kids are home. But the truth is, it’s not just our children that need to hear this mussar—we adults need to take our own words to heart.
Adults are not immune to feeling resentment and animosity toward one another. Of course we tell ourselves that we’re not fighting over petty things like little kids—oh, no! We’re only standing up for our principles, for making sure justice has been meted out!
Well, we can call it what we want—but one thing is for certain: ahavas Yisrael it is not.
That is why Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein’s newest book, Building Tomorrow, is such an important work. In this book, the much-beloved author offers practical advice on how to combat the presence of sinas chinam in our communities. It provides an eye-opening analysis of how sinas chinam starts and how we can stop it for good. Of course, as per Rabbi Rubinstein’s inimitable style, stories are related by the dozens, and with the humor threaded through each chapter, you’ll find this book entertaining and engaging, besides for practical and educational.
Best of all, by reading this book, you’ll be taking positive steps toward putting an end to sinas chinam—and to our bitter galus.
May we merit to see the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, speedily and in our days!
Click here to purchase online.
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