A Talmud Story for Mr. Putin

By COLlive reporter

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar was prominently seated across from Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at a meeting with representatives of religious and ethnic organizations.

“‘The Popular Front’ was established for the exact purpose of uniting people of different faiths and ethnicities so as to be able to identify the problems that are facing us and come up with the best ways to address them in an open and honest discussion,” Putin said at the opening on July 19.

Rabbi Lazar, Chairman of Rabbinical alliance of the CIS and a member of the Public Chamber of Russia, was invited to address the participants.

Here are excerpts of his words:

It has been said here that Russia is a multinational, multiethnic country. Many consider that to be a drawback. But what can be done? Multinational – we do not have a choice. Immigrants – it is a problem, but we need to address this issue. I believe that most will agree that it is an advantage.

Russia is rich in its multinational experience. Peoples and religions that are present here… When we look at each other we see that perhaps there are differences: we are dressed differently, have different traditions, speak different languages. But what unites us is a lot stronger. If we emphasise the values that we share, the history that has always brought us together, I believe that we could then enjoy these riches.

Unfortunately it is rarely mentioned in the West how people live together in Russia, cooperate and understand each other, and how religions live in peace. I believe this is unique. I am not certain that there is another nation in the world that lives in peace, where all leaders of religious unions not only cooperate, but also assist, consult each other, and meet each other half way.

I am not speaking about the Orthodox Church here. It never harboured any animosity toward the peoples of the world. But when we consider the case of our Muslim brothers in other countries, we see conflicts, we see great differences. Here things are different; we have a good relationship and no issues that divide us.

Yes, there are sometimes problems, issues, but I would like to thank you for founding the Front. This idea is unique, it is a new platform where we can live and help each other, join our efforts to improve the standards of living of all citizens.

Frequently we gather at the table, tell jokes, parables, stories – that also enrich Russia. I suddenly remembered that today is a very special day for all Jews. Today is the 17th of Tammuz, which marks the breach of the walls of Jerusalem. I thought of a Talmud parable that I heard as a child. It is not coincidental that we gathered here today.

The Talmud asks, how did G-d decide where to build his Temple? The world is so big. Why there, why in Jerusalem, in the city that presently brings together all denominations? The answers are in the story of the two brothers:

One brother had a big family, the other never even married. While staying at home with his children one brother thought: “It is unfortunate that my brother does not have a wife and children; it must be difficult and uninteresting. We always divide our harvest in equal halves; he should have the bigger share, it will provide him with material wealth.”

He got up in the middle of the night and brought his brother more grain than he had previously received. At the same time, the other brother had similar thoughts; “I am single man, how much do I really need? I do not need a lot of food, but my brother has a wife and many children, I will help him.”

He got up at night and delivered some grain to his brother. In the morning the brothers were surprised to see that the amount of grain had not changed. The brothers thought that they may have taken less grain than they thought and brought even more grain the following night. But in the morning the grain was still there. In the third night the brothers encountered each other pulling a load of grain. “What are you doing?” “What are you doing?” They then realized what happened.

G-d looked down from above and decided that this was where he wanted to build his Temple.

What can we conclude? We frequently think only of ourselves, which does little for those around us. It is important that we think more about the needs of our neighbours, our friends and other nations. If we think about them, help them, I am certain, our lives will be improved as well. G-d will bestow upon us that which we lack most, and we will live in peace for many years to come.

I would like to thank you once more. Many often say that Russia has many imperfections. Our gathering here today disproves that, for I do not know of any other country whose leader would bring its religious leaders together. Despite your busy schedule you brought us closer together, and that is unique. Thank you very much.