Social Conformity
In the 1950s, Solomon Asch, a young Jewish immigrant from Poland, conducted a series of psychological experiments to explore how strongly peer pressure influences the choices we make in our decisions and lifestyles. Known famously as the Asch Conformity Experiments, these studies revealed that nearly 75% of participants conformed to group opinions at least once, even when those opinions contradicted reality, illustrating a common willingness to disregard personal perception for group acceptance.
Peer pressure affects people across all demographics, ethnicities, and regions, influencing areas like work ethic, vacation choices, political views, and even the schools chosen for one's children. The impact of groupthink, coupled with mainstream media and influential figures in academia and politics, significantly shapes our values and opinions. As recent events painfully highlight, even highly intelligent individuals may accept distorted narratives—such as those surrounding Israel—and lose moral clarity despite clear evidence to the contrary.
However, peer pressure can also have positive effects, inspiring self-improvement. Humans are inherently social and thrive within the support of family, friends, and community. As Maimonides teaches, “It is a natural tendency of man to be influenced in his ideas and conduct by his fellows and associates, and to follow the usage of the people of his state. Because thereof, it is necessary for man to be in the company of the righteous, and to sit near the wise, in order to learn from their conduct, and to distance himself from the evil-doers who follow the path of darkness, in order not to learn from their conduct” (Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 6:1).
One of the secrets to the continuity of the Jewish people is our ability to maintain faith in G-d and stay connected to our roots, traditions, and communities, even when these were discouraged or prohibited by our host countries. We continue to stand up for truth and live according to our beliefs, even when the majority of the world might differ.
This week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, recounts the journey of our forefather Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people. Though his parents and much of the world were idol-worshippers, Abraham courageously questioned the status quo, discovered the truth of G-d's existence, and, together with his wife Sarah, introduced monotheism to the world.
Maimonides describes Abraham's spiritual journey: “As soon as this giant (i.e., Abraham) was weaned he commenced to busy his mind, in his infancy he commenced to think by day and by night, and would encounter this enigma: How is it possible that this planet should continuously be in motion and have no leader—and who, indeed, causes it to revolve, it being impossible that it should revolve itself?...He knew that there is One G-d; He leads the planet; He created everything; and in all that is there is no god save He…. There he stood up anew and called out in a great voice to the whole world, to let them know that there is One God for the whole universe, and unto Him it is proper to render service. And thus he went onward with his proclamations from city to city, and from government to government, until he attained the land of Canaan amidst his outcry, even as it is said: "And called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting G-d" (Genesis 21:33).
Abraham's search led him to a logical conclusion: G-d created the world and continues to sustain it. Just as a child reflects their parents, a painting reflects its artist or a home is built from an architect's blueprint, so too this world reflects the infinity of its Creator. It is up to us to reveal this truth and fulfill the world's purpose.
The Torah calls Abraham "HaIvri"—"the Hebrew," which means “the one on the side.” Our sages explain this to mean that “Abraham was on one side, and the entire world was on the other.” Despite widespread paganism, Abraham remained steadfast in his connection to G-d and went beyond maintaining private belief, sharing his understanding with others and inspiring them toward monotheism. Although he faced overwhelming odds in terms of numbers, truth was on his side. When truth is pitted against numbers, truth will always prevail, as nothing can withstand the power of genuine truth.
Abraham passed this spiritual legacy to his descendants. Today, we inherit the courage to speak truth to power and to proudly uphold our identity. As Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1813) explains King Solomon's teaching, “Like the advantage of light over darkness” (Kohelet 2:13): even a small light can dispel much darkness. Just as darkness cannot be driven out by negativity, it requires a light—every mitzvah we perform, be it lighting Shabbat candles, giving charity, putting on tefillin, or studying Torah, brings more light into the world and counters the challenges we face.
We each bear the responsibility and privilege to continue Abraham's mission, preparing the world for ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach, when truth will be universally acknowledged. As Maimonides describes, “He (i.e., Moshiach) will then improve the entire world, motivating all the nations to serve God together, as Tzephaniah 3:9 states: 'I will transform the peoples to a purer language that they all will call upon the name of G-d and serve Him with one purpose'” (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 11).
