Every year, as the Three Weeks begin, we enter a period of mourning. We fast, we observe the customs of these days, and we remember the Churban—the destruction of the First and Second Batei Mikdash, the exile of the Jewish people from their land, and the spiritual loss that continues to affect us until today. But the purpose of these weeks is not simply to look back at a tragedy that took place nearly two thousand years ago. The memory of the Churban carries a responsibility: to understand what caused the destruction and what we must do to repair it.

The Gemara in Yoma (9b) teaches that the Second Beis HaMikdash was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam—hatred and hostility between Jews that were not justified and that caused people to turn against one another. The Chafetz Chaim repeatedly emphasized that if Sinas Chinam brought about the destruction, then the path to rebuilding must be through Ahavas Yisrael—genuine love, concern, and responsibility for one another.

It is easy to fall into an “us and them” mentality, whether over politics, communal disagreements, or personal grievances. At a time when society is experiencing strong divisions and emotions are high, especially as we approach another election, we must remember that disagreement does not have to become hatred. Different opinions are part of life, but they must never destroy the respect and responsibility we owe to one another.

We do not have to agree with everyone. But we do have to remember that every Jew is part of the same people. Even when we disagree, we must continue to speak with respect, judge others favorably, and care about one another.

That responsibility begins with something we all do every day—our speech. Shlomo HaMelech teaches in Mishlei (18:21): “Maves v’chaim b’yad halashon”—”Death and........

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