Label of Love

This comes straight from Hirhurhim's comments:

• learn kiruv from lubavitch
• learn derech eretz from YU/RYDS
• learn ahavas yisroel from Maran RAYK
• learn to serve Hashem with joy from the chasidim
• learn to learn torah from the litvish
• learn to love eretz yisroel from the religous zionists
• learn how to conduct yourself among the goyim from the modern orthodox
• learn tenacity in serving Hashem in the face of all odds from the misnachalim
• learn tznius from UO
• learn bikur cholim from satmar
• learn how to publish a dignified religous periodical from mishpacha magazine and jewish action
• learn torah im derech eretz from the modern orthodox and from the breurs community
• learn jewish history from Rabbi Berel Wein

Eizehoo Chacham Halomeid mikol adam
Avigdor

Where does this obsession with compartmentalizing Judaism come from? I think part of it is a will to separate yourself from those you disagree with, since general labels are almost always less flattering, i.e. "I can't just say I'm chassidic because someone might Gd forbid mistake me for a Belzer". Also, since disassociation implies disapproval, other group monikers have become code names from insults, i.e. it's so much easier to dismiss somebody's comment by saying, "well, he's a snag," than actually providing an arguement.

Along comes Avigdor who, for a change, has something positive to say about everyone. I don't care how corny it sounds--I think it's worth repeating (and adding to, if you dare).