Tourists to Israel are often bemused by a peculiar phenomenon. People are constantly meddling into the affairs of total strangers. “Why are you not wearing a coat? It’s freezing outside!” “Your baby is not sitting well in that stroller!” “Why did you come so late to the airport? You almost missed your flight!”
Throughout the world such behavior is considered rude and intrusive, whereas in Israel it is a way of life. The same can be said about the synagogue culture. Congregants often share unsolicited advice with others or comment on their clothing and whatnot. It seems to be a Jewish thing. From where does this genetic attitude come from?
In Parshat Vayigash we read about the dramatic climax of the saga of Joseph and his brothers. Sold into slavery as a teenager, Divine providence brings him to the pinnacle of power in Egypt. During the terrible famine years, all of civilization came to Egypt to purchase food that Yoseph had stored during the years of plenty, and the sons of Jacob were no exception.
Yoseph, unrecognizable to his brothers due to the 22 years of separation, accuses them of espionage and demands that they return with their younger brother Binyamin. Yaakov reluctantly allows Binyamin to join the brothers on their return trip to Egypt and Yoseph arranges that he be framed of thievery. Binyamin is condemned to remain in Egypt as a slave while the rest are free to return home.
Yehudah alone confronts Yoseph – the most powerful man in the world at the time – and demands that he remain as a slave in exchange for Binyamin’s release. The showdown between the two warriors is fierce and Yoseph wonders aloud why only Yehudah is creating such a tumult to save Binyamin. “I have assumed sole responsibility for the lad,” Yehudah declares. “I cannot return to my father without him!”
This was a watershed moment in Jewish history. Yehudah was the first to display the eternal responsibility we have for each other - to the point of self sacrifice. As Jews we have no right to concern ourselves only with our own personal issues. We must ensure that the needs of our entire community are met. Indeed, in all Jewish communities there are charity funds, free loan societies, committees and volunteer groups that look out for the wellbeing of the less fortunate. Whether it is a material deficiency or a spiritual and religious void it is our responsibility to do something about it.
This is why we mix into each other’s business, because we naturally care. It may be awkward and annoying at times, but the inconvenience is well worth it. Much better than living alone in the world.