Background
Election fever has gripped the country. The media analyzes every scrap of news and every newly-released poll, and the information is usually slanted toward the presenter’s worldview. Political parties badmouth each other. Sometimes we wonder whether this “circus” represents a celebration of democracy or a catastrophe. Yet, more importantly, as educators and parents, we wonder whether we should be discussing the upcoming elections with our students and children, and if so, how?
The answer to me seems obvious: In order for a teacher to be considered relevant and to have a meaningful impact on his students, he must address current events. This is especially true in the case of a national issue that affects the entire country. Yet, we must seize on the elections not to make political arguments, but as an educational opportunity to engage our students in three critical areas. Parents can do the same.
1) Public Involvement:
The first topic is the significance of democracy and each and every citizen’s ability to help shape Israeli public and private life. One should take advantage of the elections to talk about the importance of getting involved and making a difference. By raising this topic, showing interest, and participating in the process, the teacher demonstrates that he himself is involved in the public sphere and encourages his students to do the same.
A central tenet of the Religious Zionist approach is cooperating with the State’s official institutions and working tirelessly to strengthen its Jewish character. We cannot close ourselves off within our own “dalet amot” (literally, “four cubits”), and we cannot worry only about our own wellbeing. The public sphere in general and the Knesset in particular are the places where important national decisions are made. These decisions determine the State’s Jewish-ethical nature and can touch upon issues such as Shabbat, disseminating Torah in wider circles, caring for the poor and orphans, protecting the innocent, and many others.
We are privileged to do that which our forefathers could only dream about – namely, live in our own country, where we have the right to act and to effect change. Moreover, we are also privileged to witness a renewed spate of halakhic deliberations about matters of state.
In conclusion, election season is an opportunity to strengthen our public involvement as we aspire to raise a generation of citizens who will work for the general good in various spheres and assorted arenas – including the political arena.
2) Honesty, Corruption and Institutional Respect:
The second topic that deserves our attention during this period is the dismaying gap between the ideal – i.e. the State of Israel as the foundation of Kisei Hashem (literally, “Hashem’s Throne”) in this world – and some of the individuals who serve in public positions. Various public officials and even Knesset members have recently been accused of breach of trust, and our students are influenced by the news reports. They hear grownups debating these issues, and they are upset that those who should be serving as role models could act in this fashion.
Therefore, we must remind them that not everyone is corrupt and that there are plenty of honest people who are not greedy and work tirelessly for the public. One can even take small comfort in the legal system’s all-out war against corruption in the government. Yet, most of all, this is an opportunity to recognize the establishment’s importance – even if at the present moment, not all current public officials are worthy of their positions.
We can emulate Elkana, Shmuel’s father, who acted with great respect while in the Mishkan in Shilo – in spite of the fact that the situation there was far from perfect. He made a point of traveling to Shilo four times a year because of its importance. We can think of other institutions that we also consider important – even if not every person who serves in these institutions is a morally upright individual. This should not bring us to view these institutions with contempt. Rather, it should inspire us to make improvements.
3) The Culture of Debate:
Much can be said about this subject and not just with respect to politics. For instance, in a school setting we must ask ourselves: How should we speak when we do not agree? What causes us to respond forcefully? Do disputes that are for the sake of Heaven help bring us closer to the truth? These and other questions can be framed in the context of student council elections, and students can be asked to draft a list of rules for the debate.
As Rav Kook wrote about political parties:
"כשרואים אנו איזו כתה או מפלגה מדברת תמיד את דבריה בכעס, הרי לנו סימן, שאין לה דעת, שאין לה תוכן במה למלא את הריקניות שבה, והיא כועסת על עצמה באמת, אלא שהאגואיזם בא ומכריח אותה להטיל את הארס של כעסה על אחרים."
“When we see that a certain class or faction always speaks angrily, behold, this is a sign for us that [the faction] has no opinion, that it has no content with which to fill the emptiness within it. And it is truly angry with itself, but egoism comes and forces it to cast the poison of its anger onto others.” (Mussar HaKodesh, p. 244)
In conclusion, a strong bond connects these three topics. When more high-caliber, ideological people recognize that they can make a difference and decide to enter the political arena, our disappointment with our public servants will decrease. And, in order for such a change to occur and for us to be blessed with qualified, honest, and motivated public servants in the future, we must discuss these topics with our students today.
Finally, elections are a wonderful opportunity to inspire and help our students get more involved in public life. For instance, we can arrange meetings with various public figures, who can talk about their experiences and encourage our students to grow and make an impact on the world around them.
Rabbanit Dr. Lea Vizel is Dean of Students and Extramural Studies at Orot Israel College in Elkana.