[Avodah] E pluribus unum

[Richard Wolberg]

The discussion regarding "All Ye Into The Melting Pot,"  "Minhogim Vs. Minhag Avos,"  "Minhogim Fads Vs. Mesorah," etc. 
is fascinating and complex. As you can see by the wide divergence of opinions, it raises many questions. However, an insight 
I gained from studying the various postings and opinions is that we have never been a monolithic religion. Hillel and Shammai 
are examples of the differences. Throughout the gemara we see a wide divergence of opinions. I would say that the term 
"Unity in Diversity" is an apt description of Torah and Judaism. We see this concept with the Arba'ah Banim as well as with 
the Arba Minim. We have ten fingers and ten toes. If you were to examine the fingerprints and toe prints from just one person, 
you would discover that each one was different from the other. Nevertheless, they are unified. Rather than criticize individual minhogim,
we should recognize the beauty and meaning in each. Because your minhog is different from mine, doesn't make it repulsive.
ri


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