July 17, 2024|י"א תמוז ה' אלפים תשפ"ד From Sensitivity to Love: Rabbi Akiva's Lesson for Healing Political Divides By Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, we've heard bipartisan calls to denounce political violence and extreme rhetoric against political opponents. Religious leaders have emphasized the need for unity and the elimination of hate speech in our country. But I wonder how long these calls will last and their lasting impact on society. I believe the long-term solution to curb political violence and extreme rhetoric lies in focusing more on Rabbi Akiva than on Hillel. Let me explain.

The Gemara in Shabbat 31a famously tells the story of a gentile who wished to convert to Judaism and learn the entire Torah while standing on one foot. Hillel told him, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this – go and study it!” Hillel taught that sensitivity to others is the foundation of the Torah. But is it enough? Is merely avoiding insensitivity sufficient for a healthy society, or do we need more?

I have found that sensitivity alone does not solve the problem of polarization in our communities. Overemphasis on sensitivity leads to a focus not only on our behavior towards others but also on how others treat us. If sensitivity is our guiding principle, it easily becomes, "I’m being sensitive to them, but they are not being sensitive to me or my political party." Everyone defines sensitivity differently and claims to be more sensitive than others, perpetuating divisions. Studies often show that Republicans perceive Democrats as using more inflammatory rhetoric, while Democrats see Republicans as more prone to such language. A motto of not acting insensitively may limit some negative behaviors but also highlights additional divisions based on differing definitions of sensitivity.

This is why we must turn to Rabbi Akiva. The Torah states, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Vayikra 19:18). Rabbi Akiva asserted that this is a fundamental principle in the Torah (Breishit Rabbah 24:7). Basic morality may dictate not acting insensitively, but Rabbi Akiva calls for a more elevated conduct—love. The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:1) explains that acts of kindness such as visiting the sick, comforting mourners, or inviting needy guests fulfill the mitzvah of loving our neighbor. It's more than avoiding harm; it’s about expressing love.

When we engage in acts of kindness, we can change society. When people receive kindness, they are more likely to pay it forward, creating a culture of generosity and cooperation and ultimately transforming society. My hope, in the aftermath of the attempted assassination, is that as we address the divides in our communities, we continue to emphasize sensitivity but focus even more on love and acts of kindness. This is what truly creates connections and builds bridges. Simple acts of kindness—friendly greetings, texts, small gifts, especially to those on the other side of the aisle—can foster greater understanding and togetherness in these challenging times. Even speaking kindly about a political opponent, despite not planning to vote for them, can foster unity. We should not underestimate the impact of these simple acts and words in eliminating division. We need Hillel, but in this political climate, we need Rabbi Akiva even more.