A Knesset of Growth: What can we learn from Tu B’Shvat about our democracy?
This year, in light of the war, the Knesset decided not to celebrate its birthday, which is marked every year on Tu B’Shvat | Dr. Noa Rachel Ben-David writes that we need not be afraid and that we should be grateful for the growth of Israeli democracy, which is based on the culture of Jewish debate.
For generations, Tu B’Shvat, the Festival of Trees, has symbolized the beginning of growth and the power inherent in quiet renewal.
The Israeli Parliament sprouted from soil saturated with history and vision.
Tu B’Shvat is not a holiday of ripe fruit but of the promise of future goodness growing from the frozen ground. In this spirit, on Tu B’Shavat 5790, the Knesset – the democratic expression of renewed Jewish sovereignty – was founded. Like the humble planting of a young tree, the Israeli parliament sprouted from soil steeped in history and vision while aware of the complexities and challenges to come.
The roots of the Jewish people are ancient, and although others have tried to cut them down many times throughout history, we have rebuilt and grown anew. The Knesset rests on the roots of Knesset Yisrael — a Talmudic expression referring to the Jewish people — while reaching fresh branches skyward. The Jewish people who have returned to their land are the foundation. On these foundations, we lay democratic foundations, pouring new Israeli content into values that have accompanied us from generation to generation.
Disagreement is at the heart of Jewish democracy.
Like a tree struggling against strong winds in order to grow, the Knesset has also known stormy winds of controversy. At times, it seems that the public debate that takes place within the Knesset twists and winds like the branches of an old tree. But therein lies its power: disagreement is at the heart of Jewish democracy. Jewish tradition recognizes the value of debate, from the rabbinical schools of thought of the sages to the system of the halakhic discussion, which sees differences of opinion as a source of learning and progress. The Knesset, in this sense, is a direct continuation of this tradition – a political school of thought in which the plurality of voices and views is evidence of the vitality of society.
There is no growth without challenges. The Knesset, which was born out of great hope and the fulfillment of a dream of generations, often faces internal rifts and sometimes even causes a rift in Israeli public life. Dealing with these situations requires us to remember that we must practice patience with long-term processes and continue to invest in the land (and the people) because the results may only be seen in later years.
Democracy is a dynamic, evolving system.
Judaism recognizes the value in anticipation and gradual building, just as Abraham, our forefather, waited for the fulfillment of the promises made to him and as the Israelites shaped their identity over generations in the desert. In the same way, democracy is not a one-time process but a dynamic and evolving system. The Knesset is the arena where Jewish and democratic values can meet and grow a more reformed society – our duty is to work hard to make this happen.
It is not easy to celebrate while at war with external enemies and while experiencing equally deep division within our people. National growth and prosperity depend on a willingness to constantly adapt to reality and develop a response to current challenges from a place of national resilience. Both the roots of tradition and the developing foliage must be prepared for prolonged processes and practice patience for the challenges along the way.
Growing from a diversity of opinions and skills.
The Knesset, which was born on Tu B’Shevat, is a symbol of our ability as a people to grow from a diversity of opinions and skills. If we can strengthen the alliance between all the different tribes of Israel, to accept with inclusion and willingness the differences and diversity that create the magnificent mosaic of the people of Israel, we will be able to celebrate the secret of the continuous growth of our people and state. We must continue to strengthen our ethical roots, deepen our moral and national commitment, and cultivate an Israeli society that seeks growth and renewal out of respect for the past, responsibility for the present, and hope for a future in which, even if we don’t all agree on the path, we will still travel that path via one Knesset.
The author is a member of the writing team at Yesodot – The Center for Education, Torah, and Democracy.
