Social Conformity
In the 1950s, Solomon Asch, a young Jewish immigrant from Poland, conducted a series of psychological experiments to determine the extent of the influence that peer pressure has on the decisions and lifestyle choices we make.
What later became famously known as the Asch Conformity Experiments, Asch found that nearly 75% of the participants in the conformity experiments went along with the rest of the group at least once. People were often willing to ignore reality and provide incorrect answers in order to conform to the group.
Peer pressure can manifest in various forms and affect people of different demographics, ethnicities, and geographic locations. It can influence our work ethic, vacation choices, the homes we buy, or the schools we send our children to.
The power of groupthink and the influence of mainstream media and prominent voices in academia and politics have a significant impact on our values and opinions. As has become painfully clear in recent times many otherwise intelligent people choose to accept a distorted narrative of events in Israel and lose all moral clarity despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Peer pressure can also be positive when it motivates us to improve ourselves. Humans are social creatures and thrive in the company of a caring family, good friends, and a welcoming community.
In this regard, Maimonides states, “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 that we have managed to maintain our faith in G-d and stay connected to our roots, traditions, and community even when it was discouraged or prohibited by our host countries. We have the courage and conviction to stand up for truth in public and act in accordance with our beliefs, even when the majority of the world's population may behave differently.
In this week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, we learn about our forefather Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people. Despite the fact that Abraham’s entire family, along with the rest of the world population at that time, were all pagans and idolaters, Abraham was not afraid to challenge the status quo and discover the truth of G-d’s existence and eventually, together with his wife Sarah, teach monotheism to the world.
As Maimonides explains, “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 God; 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 came to the logical realization that there must be a G-d who created the world and continuously provides the energy and life force for its existence. Just as a child is a reflection of his or her parents, a piece of art is an expression of the artist's creativity, and a home is built based on the blueprint of the architect, so too, this beautiful world is meant to manifest the infinity of its creator. It is up to us to reveal this truth and fulfill its intended purpose.
The Torah refers to Abraham as Haivri, which means "the Hebrew." Our Sages note that Haivri literally means "the one on the side" and explain: "Abraham was on one side, and the entire world was on the other." Despite the presence of paganism and idolatry in his surroundings, Abraham steadfastly maintained his connection with G-d that he had established. Furthermore, he was not satisfied with merely upholding his own private belief system. He proudly shared his awareness with others, influencing them to embrace the worship of one G-d.
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 transmitted this spiritual heritage to his descendants. We were each given the ability to speak truth to power and remain openly proud of our identity. As Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1813) explains the saying of King Solomon, “Like the advantage of light over darkness (Kohelet 2:13)”, that even a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness. Just as we can not chase away darkness with negativity but rather we must light a candle, so too, every Mitzvah that we do, whether it is lighting Shabbat candles, giving charity, putting on Tefillin, learning Torah etc., will dispel the darkness and challenges we may encounter and bring light and positivity to the world.
We each have the responsibility and privilege to complete the mission which Abraham began almost four thousand years ago and usher in the final redemption with the coming of Moshiach when truth will be revealed to the entire world. As Maimonides states, “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).''
