Torah Study > Chapter 7: Universalism and Particularism > Text 2

In this context, what does it mean to be a “brother?”

What is Maimonides suggesting about the “mercy” that someone
would show towards a “brother” as opposed to anyone else?

Why do you think Maimonides is suggesting that we should behave
differently to a Jew in need than to anyone else in need?

How do you think Maimonides would answer the question: Shouldn’t
I just love everyone else as myself and treat everyone else equally?

The idea of loving/treating everyone equally is laudable. But the truth is
that humans do not have infinite emotional capacity, unbounded financial
reserves, or the luxury of boundless trust. Both our kindness and our
money are limited, and the world is too dangerous for blind trust. That is
why, as humans, we have always organized ourselves in small family and
friendship groups. In turn, our identity is in large part defined by those
who make up these affinity groups. We need to know that we can rely on
others to care for us, and others need to know they can rely on us to care
for them. “Home is the place where, when you go there, they have to take
you in,” wrote Robert Frost. Idealism aside, we know that not every place is
home. So we draw the line at some natural social boundary. It defines our
universe of obligation. At the same time people of conscience continually
try to expand their universe of obligation.

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With the world getting smaller through travel and telecommunicat
tions, with pollutants and illness from one region being transported to
other regions, and with a growing awareness of shared vulnerability,
do you think this value of parochialism and of tribalism still makes
sense?

Can you believe in the sacred destiny of the Jewish people, and
celebrate particularism in a way that does not seem exclusive?

Do you think it is possible to be a good person, help others around
the world, and still give preference to your own people with your
time, affection and resources?

 

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