Empathy is the Real Heroine
Prv. 16:31
Is growing older necessarily growing wiser? Although there are many fine examples for the smarts and subtle wisdom that age can bestow, we know of many, including current world leaders who do not improve with age, and rule with same-old ways that make for the same, and worse, conditions. And yet, Wisdom tells us that it is the elders who will lead the way, and includes this short nod to wise aging among the verses of today’s chapter:
עֲטֶ֣רֶת תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת שֵׂיבָ֑ה בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ צְ֝דָקָ֗ה תִּמָּצֵֽא׃
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
It is attained by the way of righteousness.
Prv.16:31
Perhaps some of the men who now rule the world, all of them with gray hair even if they hide it, could learn a lesson or two from Wisdom’s generous trust and demand for righteousness. We all need to - and not rely on those in power to continue working for justice.
The following verse hits today in the gut -- and gets very specific with what it would take to reverse the current global policies of war and reimagine what it’s like to walk the talk of true wisdom in the service of love and justice driven life:
ט֤וֹב אֶ֣רֶךְ אַ֭פַּיִם מִגִּבּ֑וֹר וּמֹשֵׁ֥ל בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ מִלֹּכֵ֥ד עִֽיר׃
Better to be forbearing than mighty,
To have self-control than to conquer a city.
Prv. 16:31
Reading this in 2024 is heartbreaking. How have the ones who claim to hold on to Jewish wisdom lead us and forget the sober and somber demands of these biblical warnings?
Ruhama Weiss, a well known and outspoken Israeli author, artist, professor of Talmud and teacher of spiritual care, wrote these wise words as commentary on this verse in 2017. They echo so much more right now:
“I love this verse so much - I think it holds the essence of Jewish wisdom.
The Jewish nation does not value those who conquer cities - we know the secret of real heroism - self restraint, and control of our urges.
To control and occupy other people? That’s for the weak. We know that our real challenge is to control ourselves.
I want this verse to be the candle that lights my way, and I want it to be the guiding light for the Jewish society in Israel. Occupation, weapons, war - these the choices of fear-based nations that lack the spine to activate self-control, resistance to violence, and patience - this is the true strength.
I know, you’ll say - they threaten us, and if they don’t kill them, they will kill us.
Two responses:
A. Demand that our leaders provide strategies of non-violent co-existence. Only when we stop cooperating with the wars - will they end. Leaders will not volunteer to stop sending us to the battlefield. Therefore it is our responsibility to raise our voices.
B. The Jewish people always had commandments in the category of “Rather be killed and not break this commandment” - some gave up their lives by refusing to worship idols or eat pork. My red line - is killing. I’d rather be killed than prioritize killing.
And I hope that we will not be tested.”
Ouch. This was written in 2017.
Today, with terror and horror in the Middle East and all over the world - and so much ahead unknown and not looking hopeful - Weiss’ words echo as heartbreaking and wistful wisdom, while also a litany and lament.
It is on us to raise our voices, and to keep on practicing empathy and long-term visions for justice, with help and guidance of Her wisdom, ancient and current, and the elders who always have, still do, and will always, lead us gently towards wiser, kinder days.
IMAGE: ELEOS THE ANCIENT GREEK GODDESS OF MERCY PITY AND COMPASSION, by ANASTASIA SKARLATOUDI.
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Funny, I always read the chapter prior to reading R. Amichai׳s missive, and this time was particularly struck by the same two verses. After several years of coloring my gray as a result of a challenge to “play with how you do yourself” I decided to claim it before I retired and became a
Sage-ing Mentor. It is attained by owning who you are. And self-control? A lifelong journey….
Nonviolence is such a powerful strategy and one that requires an immense amount of courage. We need to revive and prioritize learning and training nonviolent resistance in the way that Black American communities did in the mid-20th century. Thank you for bringing these thoughts forward, Amichai, especially from your unique social location.