The nation of Israel was established on the basis of unity, described as “one man with one heart.” What does this unity mean for Israel, and what does it mean for the world and humanity at large?

Israel as a Nation Established on the Basis of Unity

It was established on Mount Sinai that the children of Israel became one nation. This is why it is written, “I,” in singular form, because to the extent of the unity between them, His Godliness is present over the children of Israel.

Yehuda Leib Arie Altar (ADMOR of Gur), Sefat Emet [Truthful Lips], VaYikra [Leviticus], Parashat BaHar [Portion, On the Mount], TARLAV (1893)

Because the 600,000 souls of Israel are all tied to one another like a woven rope, united as one without separation, should you shake the beginning of the tightened rope, you will shake all of it. Therefore, should one man sin, wrath will be upon the entire congregation. The reason is that all of Israel are responsible for one another.

When one includes oneself with all of Israel and unity is made, the Lord is present in the unity. At that time no harm shall come to you.

Rabbi Menahem Nahum of Chernobyl, Maor Eynaim [Light of the Eyes], VaYetzeh [And Jacob Went Out]

Unity as Salvation for the Nation of Israel

We are commanded at each generation to strengthen the unity among us so our enemies do not rule over us.

Rabbi Eliyahu Ki Tov, The Book of Consciousness, Chapter 16

The foundation of the wickedness of evil Haman, on which he had built his request of the king to sell the Jews to him … is what he had begun to argue, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed,” etc. He cast his filth saying that that nation deserves to be destroyed, for separation rules among them, they are all full of strife and quarrel, and their hearts are far from one another. However, He put the healing before the blow [took preventing measures] … by hastening Israel to unite and adhere to one another, to all be one, as one man, and this is what saved them, as in the verse, “Go, gather together all the Jews.”

Rabbi Azarya Figo, Binah LeItim [Understanding for Occasions], Part 1, Sermon 1 for Purim

Elijah comes only to correct the deficiency that was present at the time of his arrival. This is why Elijah comes primarily to settle the dispute, for that certainly unites and ties Israel as one, until they are worthy of redemption from the exile. It is so because Israel are not redeemed from exile before they are completely one, as it is said in the Midrash, that Israel are not redeemed until they are one.

Judah Loewe ben Bezalel (the Maharal of Prague), Innovations of Legends, Part 4, Masechet Matrimony, p 63

The Unity of Israel as the Salvation of the World

It is also clear that the immense effort required of us on the rugged road ahead requires unity as strong and as solid as steel, from all factions of the nation without any exceptions. If we do not come out with united ranks toward the mighty forces standing in our way then we are doomed before we even started.

Rav Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam), The Writings of Baal HaSulam, “The Nation,” p 487

You, the friends who are here, as you were in fondness and love before, henceforth you will not part from one another, until the Lord rejoices with you and declares peace over you. And by your merit there will be peace in the world, as it is written, “For the sake of my brothers and friends I will speak, ‘May peace be in you.’”

Rav Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam), The Book of Zohar with the Sulam Commentary, Aharei Mot [After the Death], item 66

Humanity deserves to be united into a single family. At that time all the quarrels and the ill will that stem from divisions of nations and their boundaries shall cease. However, the world requires mitigation, whereby humanity will be perfected through each nation’s unique characteristics. This deficiency is what the Assembly of Israel will complement.

The Rav Kook,

Orot HaRaaiah [Lights of the Raaiah], Shavuot, p 70

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