Dear Matzav Inbox,

Recently, I overheard a conversation where someone referred to their group as “anshei shlomeinu.” Actually, it was “anshei shlomeini.”

Now, maybe I’m oversensitive, but that term bothers me. Actually, it really bothers me. Because it screams, loud and clear: “We’re in, and you’re out.”

Let’s think about this. In a generation where Klal Yisroel is under attack from every direction—spiritually, physically, and emotionally—how can we afford to talk like this? How can we afford to put up walls between one Yid and another? By using the term “anshei shlomeinu,” it feels like you’re saying, “This group of Yidden is mine, but everyone else? Not really my problem.”

Is that achdus? Is that how a nation that stood together at Har Sinai should act?

We’re one Klal Yisroel. Eilu v’eilu divrei Elokim Chaim. The Baal Shem Tov, whose teachings are the root of Chassidus itself, was all about loving every single Yid. He didn’t walk around saying, “Oh, these are my anshei shlomeinu, and those? Eh, not so much.” He taught that every Yid has a chelek Elokah mima’al, regardless of where they daven or what they wear.

Let’s be honest. We all need each other. No one group has it all figured out. Each of us brings something unique to the table. And guess what? Hashem needs all of us, not just “your people.” So why use a term that divides instead of unites?

I’m not saying to change ior stop being proud of your mesorah. Of course not. But words matter. The way we speak to and about each other matters. Instead of saying “anshei shlomeinu,” how about just saying “Yidden”? Because at the end of the day, that’s what we all are—Yidden. And if we can’t start seeing each other that way, how do we expect Hashem to see us as one nation worthy of the geulah?

This is not a small thing. The words we use shape the way we think. And the way we think shapes the way we act. So, let’s stop building fences where there don’t need to be any. Let’s stop with the “anshei shlomeinu” language and start using words that build bridges instead. Because at the end of the day, we’re all anshei shlomeinu in Hashem’s eyes.

May we be zocheh to true achdus and to greet Moshiach speedily in our days.

Sincerely,
A Yid Who Cares

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