Martin H. van den Bergh

This coming week, Israelis will go to the polls to take part in our democratic elections. Despite its shortcomings, voting in Israel remains a tremendous privilege. Here ordinary citizens can help determine the direction of their government. Judaism has long upheld democratic principles: they can be traced to Abraham, form part of the Torah’s outlook, and continued through the Sanhedrin, the highest court in Temple times.

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Abraham even allowed his nephew Lot to choose how he would live.Abraham saw that the land could not sustain both his flocks and that of his nephew Lot, which led to animosity between their respective shepherds. He therefore suggested to Lot that they separate. Lot chose for himself the Valley of the Jordon, which appears to have been a good choice. But the Talmud (Horayot 11b) tells us a different view, because Lot chose to separate himself from his heritage and settle amongst people who were corrupt. It applies the saying to Lot: “He who separates himself seeks his own desire and snarls against all sound wisdom” (Proverbs 18:1).  Quick to separate himself from Abraham, he suffered disastrous consequences and twice had to be rescued by him.

Lot’s choice teaches us not to pursue short-term gains without considering their long-term costs. He only thought of gaining material wealth while overlooking the importance of acquiring ethical wealth.

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As we go to the polls this coming week, we should choose wisely and consider the long-term benefits for Israel and all those who live here, the only Jewish state in the world. We must not be deterred by the anti-Jewish rhetoric spreading around the world. Instead, we should appreciate all that Israel offers, including the right to vote in democratic elections.