What makes a value Jewish? This parallels the question of what makes art Jewish? Is it the subject? The artist?  In the case of Jewish values, is it the value? The fact that it is a Jew living that value?

It seems to me that for a value to be specifically Jewish–though other religions and cultures may share it–is that it is grounded in Jewish texts and mores. That is why Jews can be on both sides of an argument and both sides are “kosher” in that they are grounded in our shared values. That is why it is the how the argument is argued that is of key import: per the Mishnah, it must be “for the sake of heaven.”

It must sound odd as, during our weekly Shabbat morning spontaneous creative prayers for our congregation, America and Israel, I have prayed, “May Israel live by our Jewish values.” Given she is the Jewish State, that seems ironic. Are removing public advertisements with women, allowing buses to be segregated by gender, not allowing non-Orthodox Jews to officiate at weddings and funerals, saying anti-LGBTQ statements Jewish values? For all of these things are occurring in the Jewish State and there is currently great concern as to what this far right government will bring next.

Were we to protest, are we living our Jewish values? Absolutely! Be Abraham as he bargained on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. Use the courts, elections, nonviolent protest. Put democracy into action.

With two sides (at least!) of a Jewish question, the challenge is how to move forward, and the answer is straight from the Mishnah: in a way that is for the sake of heaven. No name calling. No threats. No violence. Yet given the ongoing challenge to find the balance between being a Jewish State and a democratic State, it is also Jewish to use the tools of democracy for the sake of earth.