"Community Affairs" \ Day 24 \ 30 Days to Teshuvah
We will now apply Rabbi Yisrael's Mussar model of isolating the "easy" aspects to the Mitzvah of community affairs
"Regarding the analysis of how best to approach matters dealing with Divine Service, such as community affairs, the pure intention is "easy" to fulfill. On the other hand, a flaw in the pure intention, could lead to arguments."
(Ohr Yisrael, Letter Six).
Does that mean that all community discussions should be conducted without arguments?
Education, charity collection and distribution, how to strengthen Mussar study in the community, and the hiring of Torah teachers should be discussed calmly and without dispute.
For instance, the educational committee of the local Yeshiva calls a meeting to discuss which families should receive scholarships. Prior to the discussion ground rules should be drawn to ensure the atmosphere of the meeting is peaceful and supportive. For example, the rules might include that the final decision will follow the majority or the group leader will make the final decision.
This is considered "easy" because it merely takes planning and rules of conduct to ensure the meeting is peaceful and constructive.
Tip -- Imagine how much conflict we could avoid if we would simply follow Rav Yisrael's wise advice in conducting our community affairs. Our meetings would be pleasant, and would foster peace and friendship.
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