The Torah famously tells us (Breishis 32) that Jacob remained alone. Abraham was named Ivri because he was on the “other side” of all of mankind, he stood alone. Elijah famously proclaimed, “I am the only one left, alone.” (Melachim Aleph 18). The Lubavitcher Rebbe was very content to stand alone. He was chastised for his campaign to put tefillin on for men on the streets, for persuading women to light Shabbat candles even if they did not keep Shabbat yet, for his stand towards Israel and on halachic conversion and of course on his Moshiach fervor and so much else. He was willing to stand alone and he formed a Jewish renaissance as a result.
G-d stands alone. The mystics expound that “One who is alone” is the level of the Divine Infinite Light which does not manifest in relationships. As in adon olam “Livado yimloch”. Isaiah 2: G-d will be exalted alone.
Do you have the courage to face standing alone rather than give in for acceptance in the pack? It is not easy, however, it is a high calling.
Chabad rabbi in Potomac Maryland ,Rabbi Mendel Bluming, has served the community since 2000 with his family.