Two out of the three forbidden topics for conversations are religion and politics; the third changes  from generation to generation and from group to group.  I’m already in trouble – I constantly talk about    religion. So, this month I’m going to risk talking about politics. I’ve had plenty of people ask why I don’t. Certainly, Judaism has had a history of being in politically challenging situations.

 

One of our earliest teachings comes from the Talmud:

“Every mahloket [division, dispute, disagreement] that is for the sake of Heaven, will in the end endure; But one that is not for the sake of Heaven, will not endure.” From this we learn that division can be healthy if it is used for the purpose of looking at both views for the purpose of caring for everyone. As an American Jew and as a Jewish American I find both Israel and United States partisan politics volatile and  divisive. Instead of working together, both countries have been drawing stronger and stronger lines between parties resulting in a breakdown of positive management  and growth. Therefore, I do not take political stances in our community  because I feel any statement  I make will not be used as the beginning of a healthy discussion, rather it will be considered “taking sides” and therefore will be used as a tool for strengthening the divisiveness we have been experiencing.

 

This month, as we change political leadership, I find myself troubled – more about the reactions to the    change in leadership than about the change itself. I find our community – families and friends – being divided, relationships being broken, and an increase in negativity as people predict what will happen as the change occur.

 

What shouldn’t we do? Predict the future. Judaism has negative views about false prophets, in        addition, one falls into an unhealthy “negativity mode” when predicting negative outcomes.

 

What should we do? Talk to our representatives – local, state, and national. Let them know how you feel about specific topics and, if you agree with me, encourage our congress to reach across the aisle to accomplish instead of tearing each other down.  When talking to neighbors and friends, establish ground rules for political conversations, encouraging all to put relationships above political stance. In discussions, “agree to disagree” is the Jewish  value that allows us to express our ideas in a positive manner. We discuss, examine, dissect, argue, and often end up disagreeing with each other. But the only way this works is if we stay on the topic we’re discussing. If needed, set rules before the discussion gets out of hand. Don’t be afraid to be challenged in a discussion. A healthy discussion is good for our minds – we’re challenged to think  critically, examining and analyzing a topic. We learn and remember the myriad of possibilities that  surround us and hopefully we build stronger relationships.