On the crucial question of land for peace in Israel, there is nothing approaching consensus. We even hear abstract talk of civil war, which is enough to make any Jew shudder. Only a prophet can answer. The temptation to stake out firm positions, especially when great issues are at stake and convictions are passionately held, is very strong. Unfortunately this is the behavior that has led to so much destruction in our past.
Unity is much more difficult to pursue.
It requires subordinating personal agendas to those of the greater community. The individualistic spirit of our times makes it hard for us to count on this happening. But if we hope to go forward in blessing, the lesson of Vayakhel is that it must.