Knowing One's Place

(This article appeared in the Jewish Press)
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After a pleasant Shabbat in Lavon – a welcome break from the manic pre-election climate both in Israel and in the USA – I turned on my computer only to find two bad news items – one horrific, and the other sad.

The horrific one, of course, was the terrible tragedy in Pittsburgh, resulting in Eleven dead Jews and six injured by the vicious actions of the monster Robert Bowers, may his name be blotted out.  There are no words to describe the depth of evil this represented, on a par with some of the worst terrorist atrocities here in Israel.  I could only imagine how frightening it must have been for those who were at the Shabbat morning service and their loved ones.

The sad news was the identity of the person behind the wave of pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats. I had been quite convinced that we were seeing a false flag operation, as any Trump supporter with a brain larger than a cockroach would surely know that targeting Democrats with bombs would hurt – not help – Republicans come November 6. But it appears at this point that the culprit was indeed a Trump supporter.

I believe it noteworthy that these two acts were perpetrated by opposites – the one in Pittsburgh by a violently anti-Trump monster, and the pipe bombs by a pro-Trump monster.

As we know all too well by now, various people will be quick to place the blame for violence on President Trump, while others will place the blame for the violent environment on opponents of President Trump.  I believe it noteworthy that these two acts were perpetrated by opposites – the one in Pittsburgh by a violently anti-Trump monster, and the pipe bombs by a pro-Trump monster.

What should be clear, however,  is that both sides are to blame for too much violent rhetoric, and that instead of blaming the “other side”, both sides need to find a way to return to a civil discourse, and to find ways of disagreeing politically without the demonizing and hatred that has engulfed America.

I am all for passionate argument and of taking a stand for what one believes in.  But perhaps we can learn from our Patriarch how to advocate properly, and how to know when to desist.

We just read in the Sidra of Vayera about Avraham’s heroic argument to save Sodom.  (That alone should give us pause – who among us would powerfully pray that the absolutely wicked be spared G-d’s wrath?)  His prayer is prefaced by the words 

וַיִּגַּשׁ אַבְרָהָם וַיֹּאמַר הַאַף תִּסְפֶּה צַדִּיק עִם רָשָׁע

And Abraham approached and said, "Will You even destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Breishis 18:23)

Rashi comments on the use of the term “Vayigash” (And Avraham approached) that we find this word used when approaching to do battle, to mollify, and to pray; Avraham approached here with all three intentions.  While the second two intentions would be expected, the first is quite surprising – and out of character for Avraham, the man of love and kindness.  His words to Hashem are accusatory and harsh – it is frankly shocking that a human being who is the greatest of believers would veritably accuse Hashem of acting unjustly!  Truly words of “battle” against G-d, if one could use that term.  "Will You even destroy the righteous with the wicked?”  How could You!  More passionate words of protest were never spoken!

At the end of this mighty battle of words, we find 

וְאַבְרָהָם שָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ

And Abraham returned to his place

Why did the Torah need to point this out?
I heard a beautiful interpretation of this verse from Rav Mordechai Elon, who cited the Mishna in Avos listing the 48 ways of acquiring Torah, the value of

הַמַּכִּיר אֶת מְקוֹמוֹ

One who recognizes his place. (Avot 6:6)

The idea the Mishna is conveying is that too often people have either an insufficient, or grandiose, idea of "their place".   Some people suffer from low self-esteem, and thus do not aspire to the greatness which they ought to achieve.  Others have grandiose notions of their importance, and arrogantly do not recognize that they are out of place in their self-aggrandizement.  A wise person knows where they belong, and strives not to be an iota less than their true potential, while at the same time not imagining themselves as standing beyond it.

In this story, mild-mannered Avraham would normally never dream of challenging G-d, certainly not in a harsh and accusatory fashion.  But he felt that such an injustice was about to happen, that he could not – he must not! – remain silent.  And so, challenge he did, forthrightly and fearlessly did he engage in a battle, while at the same time never forgetting whom he was addressing.

But when it was finished, and he realized that any further argument was futile, “Avraham returned to his place”.   He knew that the time for that stance was over, and he returned exactly to whom he was before the crisis; so much so that not long after we read of his total unquestioning subservience at the Akedah.

There are insane monsters out who will only take such talk, on both sides,  as an excuse to carry out their nefarious deeds.

Current events are, of course, vastly removed from the holy thoughts and actions of Avraham Avinu.  But it seems to me that the shocking events of this past week should give us all cause that perhaps the passionate arguments on all sides have gone as far as they should – and beyond.   It is time to “know our place”, to simmer down, to recognize that our political disputants are not evil, and that any hint of violent action or talk is totally out of bounds.  There are insane monsters out there who will only take such talk, on both sides,  as an excuse to carry out their nefarious deeds.

May we come together and reunify as a nation, and restore civility and polite discussion and end the bitter personal vituperative attacks, or we all lose.