Unity (Achdut - אחדות) in Pursuit of Divine Connection: A Journey Through Jewish and New Testament Teachings
This post was adapted from portions of the teaching covering Parasha Bereshit given on October 26, 2024 at Rosh Pinah Congregation
Achdut, the concept of unity, highlights the spiritual and ethical aspirations within Jewish thought, grounded in the principle that "Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh"—"all of Israel is responsible for one another" (Talmud, Shavuot 39a). This principle illuminates the interconnectedness of humanity, encouraging collective responsibility as a foundation for individual and communal spiritual growth. When we explore achdut, we also recognize that unity is not just interpersonal but serves as a pathway to divine connection. This journey calls for a balanced integration of the yetzer ha'ra (inclination toward evil) and yetzer ha'tov (inclination toward good), achieving alignment with G-d's will and fostering redemption in our world. Let me highlight five essential areas of life where we should actively pursue and cultivate achdut.
1. Unity Within the Community (Achdut Yisrael)
Achdut Yisrael, the unity of the Jewish people—and specifically for our purposes the Messianic Jewish community—is the cornerstone of communal strength and resilience. This collective unity is vividly illustrated in Exodus 19:2, where the Israelites "camped as one person with one heart" before receiving the Torah. Rashi’s commentary on this verse emphasizes that achieving unity was a prerequisite for experiencing divine revelation. This concept finds resonance in the Brit Chadasha as well, where the call for unity and selfless love is central. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul writes, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it,” highlighting the collective responsibility that mirrors the Jewish concept of shared destiny.
In our own lives, achieving achdut within the community might involve acts of kindness, support, and mutual care, particularly during communal worship or challenging times. This unity is not limited to individual acts but extends to a lifestyle that integrates values, ethics, and a sense of duty to one another, fulfilling the Talmudic principle that we are indeed "responsible for one another."
2. Unity Between Humanity and G-d
Achdut’s second dimension, unity between humanity and G-d, is rooted in the Shema: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our G-d, the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This declaration of G-d’s oneness calls humanity to align themselves with G-d’s will, achieving spiritual harmony through submission to divine guidance. Kabbalistic teachings emphasize that true unity with G-d requires the subduing of ego and self-centered desires, allowing divine wisdom and compassion to guide our actions. The New Testament echoes this in John 17:21, where Yeshua prays, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us,” illustrating that divine unity is both a personal and collective endeavor.
Through prayer, study, and ethical living, each person brings heaven closer to earth, as personal unity with G-d inspires a ripple effect in the surrounding community. Achieving achdut with G-d requires each of us to elevate our desires and actions to reflect divine will, bridging the human and the holy.
3. Internal Unity of the Soul
Achdut also requires unity within the soul, where the yetzer ha'ra and yetzer ha'tov are integrated, each guided toward the good. The journey of the soul involves transforming material inclinations to serve spiritual purposes, harmonizing our inner drives and achieving a holistic, G-d-centered life. Kabbalistic wisdom also teaches that this internal unity facilitates spiritual alignment with G-d, transforming inner chaos into a reflection of divine order.
Rav Shaul’s words in Colossians 3:10— “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator”—parallel this transformative journey. By constantly refining and elevating our lower inclinations, we strive to embody divine virtues like humility, compassion, and love. This unity within the soul, achieved through daily struggles and conscious choices, resonates with the Kabbalistic notion of tikkun ha'nefesh (the rectification of the soul), where personal growth contributes to the sanctification of the self and the world.
4. Achdut as a Spiritual Principle
From a more mystical perspective, achdut extends beyond the physical properties of humanity to encompass the entire spiritual world. In Kabbalah, the universe is seen as an expression of divine unity, interconnected by G-d’s presence. Achieving harmony within ourselves and with others reflects this spiritual oneness and aligns us with the divine purpose for creation. When we live in harmony, we reveal G-d’s hidden unity, participating in the spiritual repair of the world—tikkun olam.
The New Testament affirms this spiritual principle in Ephesians 4:3-6, where Rav Shaul urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” highlighting that oneness reflects G-d’s ultimate design for humanity and the spiritual.
5. Achdut in Action: Living Out Unity
Finally, achdut is a call to practical, transformative action. This call to unity is made manifest in various ways:
1. Community Building: Creating an environment of peace and understanding within the Jewish community and the nations.
2. Mitzvot (Commandments): Observing G-d’s commandments to foster unity with G-d and compassion toward others.
3. Chesed (Acts of Kindness): Extending kindness and charity to others, embodying divine unity in human relationships.
Psalm 133:1 captures the beauty of this unity: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!” This verse celebrates not only the joy of communal harmony but also its power to manifest the Sh’china (divine presence).
The ultimate goal of achdut, as a spiritual principle, calls us to reflect G-d’s oneness and interconnectedness in all aspects of our lives. Whether fostering unity within the community, pursuing personal harmony, or striving for divine connection, achdut encourages integration and alignment between all facets of G-d’s creation—the physical and the spiritual. As we cultivate unity on these levels, we embody the divine presence, bringing G-d’s purpose for the world closer to fruition—the return of our Mashiach and the establishment of His throne in Jerusalem.
Rav Shaul’s teachings and Jewish thought both affirm this elevated aim. Through our journey of inner and outer unity, we contribute to the world’s healing and sanctification, fulfilling our role in G-d’s plan and bringing creation closer to divine oneness—closer to the return of Gan Eden, to Olam HaBa
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