Democracy is Messy

Rabbi Steve Gutow, former president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, wrote, “Democracy is messy, and American politics have always been hard-fought – but for some time now, the fight has not just been hard, but ugly. The art of listening has been jettisoned in the rush to be heard, as we amplify our voices through name-calling, mud-slinging, and fabrication.”

As Jews, our Talmudic background encourages us to study issues thoroughly, to argue, and to engage in debate. We talk and we listen. As a Jewish school, we also believe in learning to understand others – including those with whom we disagree.

“It’s okay to be different.” Our teachers and guidance counselors have focused on this topic since the election and inauguration. The topic is particularly timely, as we witness greater numbers of students expressing uncertainty, fear, and anger – even to the point of expressing thoughts of harming public figures.

At Perelman, we teach both civics and civility. We tell our students that as Jews, we believe in government. We also believe in civility, good behavior, and kindness. We teach dignity – that we must treat others well, regardless of status or opinions.

Please include your children in your political discussions at the dinner table. Remind them that differences of opinion make for a vibrant society – and that expressing disagreement with kavod is perfectly acceptable – in an op-ed, in class, at home and with friends.

What we will not tolerate is intolerance.

The Conservative/Masorti movement of Judaism recently issued the following statement regarding the executive order President Donald Trump signed on Friday barring many refugees and immigrants from entering the United States:

Deeply rooted in our tradition, faith, and values, we are a people of immigrants. Throughout our history we often were the stranger in a strange land and were persecuted and attacked simply for being the other. As Jews, it is not only our religious values that speak to welcoming those who seek shelter and safety, but it is also a pillar of free, democratic nations.

Our religious tradition repeatedly forbids us from oppressing the stranger. For instance, Leviticus 19:34 commands us, ‘The strangers who reside with you shall be to you as your citizens; you shall love each one as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ And Exodus 22:21, ‘And you shall not wrong a stranger, neither shall you oppress them; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ It is a betrayal to Jewish history and our own Jewish values to stand quiet as victims of war and terror are left helpless — especially on the basis of religion.

The protracted war in Syria has created 7 million displaced persons within Syria alone and millions more throughout the Middle East, with refugees escaping through Turkey, the Balkans and Europe. Meanwhile, millions of undocumented immigrants in America live in fear of imprisonment, deportation or worse.

The Conservative movement has continuously and consistently advocated for the rights of immigrants including pathways to citizenship and family reunification as a top priority. We call on the US government to reject policy proposals that would halt, limit, or curtail refugee resettlement in the U.S. or prioritize certain refugees over others; and urge President Trump and the U.S. Congress to instead take bold leadership by providing robust funding to support refugees around the world as well as provide necessary resources to refugees who are already resettled in the U.S.

Most importantly, the Conservative Movement completely rejects the targeting of individuals based on their religion. As Jews, it is an affront to our fundamental values.

We are all enriched by the diverse set of experiences that immigrants bring to our society. We see it not only throughout our economy and educational system, but also in our synagogues, camps, schools, and institutions where people of diverse backgrounds, countries of origin and experiences come together to pray to the same God, who sees us all as equals. To do otherwise betrays the Jewish values we find deeply engrained in our faith and history.

This week’s parasha, Bo, describes a seminal moment in Jewish history – the liberation of our people from slavery in Egypt. The Exodus has profoundly influenced Jewish social consciousness for generations. Protecting and providing for the “other” is a direct result of our communal history.

“V’higad’ta l’vincha,” –you shall tell it to your children. We will not tolerate intolerance. Na’aseh v’nishma. We will listen and we will learn.

Judy