This is a completed edited piece, (written by a client):

When a person discusses or thinks about the body, there is often wonder as to which part is the most important-the head, nose or mouth? Each organ is vital to the body. There is a story that speaks about the importance of the organs and which one carries a heavier responsibility.  A messenger was heading to the palace of a very sick king to give him life-saving medicine which was created from lion’s milk. The night before he went to the king, he had a strange dream where his body parts were fighting over who had the most important function and use of the body. Each part had a different reason- the feet claimed that without them the milk would not have been obtained; the hands attested to the fact that without them they would not have been able to milk the lion and take the milk once finished. The eyes said that without them they would not have known where to go (Godfrey, 2005). Each body part insisted that their reasoning as to why they were the most important. Truthfully each part of the body is important, because without all of our parts completing actions which seem so inane would become not possible to complete. Each limb has its own unique purpose, and in order for the body to be complete and function properly, it needs every single detail and component to be intact. This analogy can also be used to explain the importance of every single Jew. Every sort of Jew from every walk of life is vital and significant, for the nation is only complete through each person as a whole.

Whether he is Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Chassidic, a storekeeper, rabbi, doctor, or a learner- each person counts. If the CEO of the company did not hire the appropriate amount of staff then his business would be incomplete and hard to manage. Not only would the business be unable to efficiently run, there is a great possibility that he would have to shut down. Although without the CEO there would be no positions for staff such as myself, but on the same token my position directly impacts the functioning of the business due to the work that I contribute. Each person has a unique advantage over the others, however without each person’s contribution such positions and advantages would be lacking. The difference in levels should not be seen as a separation amongst one another, rather through the diversity one can bring unity and wholesomeness (Schneerson, 2008).

Similarly, as long as the person is conducting himself according to the Code of Jewish Law, it is permissible and even admirable to serve God through several differing channels (Schneerson, 2013). We must not only follow one specific path, rather there are so many ‘correct’ methods in which we can properly serve God. Although it may outwardly seem that Chassidim, Sephardim, or Ashkenazim have different paths and customs, each one of them is correct and gives pleasure to God. On a different note, it can be said that there are three models for our relationship between us and God- the intellectual approach, spiritual approach, and the humanitarian approach (XXXXXXXX, XXXX). These three directions are more specifically taken into consideration when one serves God through learning Torah, reciting prayers as well as busying oneself with acts of goodness and kindness. Although it is imperative that each person fulfill all the mitzvos, it is our responsibility to find the path that speaks to each of us the most and develop it. Each path that is taken is important and necessary.

Though each person's unique qualities are important and meaningful, we must be like one (Shneerson, 1999). There is a concept in Judaism that “Kol Yisroel Araivim Ze Bazeh" which means that each Jew is responsible for one another. We are dependent on each other and need each person in order to be one and whole. If one person is not included in this union, then we are lacking unity. The Alter Rebbe says that just knowing that each person has an advantage over another, still our body and soul must be humble in front of the other. The two concepts of individualism and community are equally important and depend on each other to be complete. It is through the fact that we have doctors, lawyers, learners, teachers, store owners, as well as people to live and congregate is what it takes to create a community. If we are missing any of these elements shows that we are missing out and are not a community or complete.

Being that this year is the year of Hakhel, let us unite and embrace our differences to do more for Hashem. Hakhel was a mitzvah that was observed when all the Jews resided in Israel. Men, women, and children came from all over to listen to the Jewish king read specific verses from the Torah to unite and inspire them to do more torah and mitzvos (Hakhel, n.d.). This year- Hakhel, let us gather together when we have the opportunity to unite as one and inspire each other to grow in our Judaism. Through this, may it hasten the coming of Moshiach which will bring back to life every single person with no exceptions, and unite us all as one for eternity.