We seem to expect the individual to defer his needs to the needs of the community. Is this the way it should be? A community is composed of individuals. Are we to assume that if we reach the majority of the tzibbur, we are successful in achieving our goals, even if a segment of the community continues to be alienated? Will the individual be judged by the actions of the community or by the nature of his own deeds?
The Torah appears to be telling us that the individual is more important than we think. In fact, the community depends upon the individual. The Torah begins with “Re’eh” – “behold/see,” in the singular, as if it were speaking to an individual. It completes its injunction with “lifneichem,” – “before you,” in the plural. The Torah tells us, “Let each person see for himself.” The survival of Klal Yisrael is dependent upon the individual Jew. No family can be happy unless every member is satisfied and generates happiness. No business can succeed unless every employee is working towards its progress. No synagogue or spiritual endeavor will bear fruit unless all its members, all those involved, are working towards the goal. Klal Yisrael will not be restored until all Jews work towards its restoration. The community’s future is determined by each individual’s commitment to the Klal.
