Do not remove yourself from the community. -Pirkei Avot
And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone. -Genesis 2:18
Our Rabbis have taught: When Israel is in trouble and one of them separates himself from them, then the two ministering angels who accompany every man come and place their hands upon his head and say, 'So-and-so who separated himself from the community shall not behold the consolation of the community'. -Talmud, Taanit 11a
When the community is in trouble let not a man say, 'I will go to my house and I will eat and drink and all will be well with me'. For of him who does so Scripture says, And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine - 'Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die'. What follows after this [verse]? - And the Lord of Hosts revealed Himself in mine ears; surely this iniquity shall not be expiated by you till ye die. -Talmud, Taanit 11a
Several times in Genesis, God looks at His creation and says "ki tov, it is good!" The first time, in fact, that God says "lo tov, it is not good" is when He notices that man is alone. This reminds us that people are not meant to live without the company of other people. Additionally, studies have shown that those who have a support community tend to live longer. To help maintain your own health, make sure that you do not isolate yourselves too much from others. Whether it be your religious community, your work community, or some other group, be a part of the community that surrounds you.
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