Raising Awareness of the Intersection of Judaism and Democracy: Now is the Time

America is tired of hate and polarization—plain and simple. The opening exchange of the debate last week is a case in point as it backfired on Trump. Yet, we remain hopeful. In a recent survey, 70% of Americans believe civility is worsening, while a similar percentage think it’s critical to restore it (Pew 2023). Among young people, 70% of Gen Z believes civil discourse is possible, even around contentious issues like free speech and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (The Heart Monitors 8/2024). This growing desire for civility is a powerful signal that we’re ready to shift toward more respectful, values-driven conversations. 

Why does this matter to Jews? Why Now?   

Because the values of democracy and Judaism are inextricably linked. Today, as antisemitism rises in correlation with broader hate against marginalized groups and divisive politics around Israel, the principles of civil discourse, justice, and love all need a reminder.  

With the climate on college campuses no better than April and the war raging, the Diaspora Jewish community has a responsibility to raise awareness of this intersection—not only among Jews but in partnership with non-Jews. Because we cannot continue alone.  

Now is the time for what I’ve termed Brand Judaism to take a stand.  At the core of this idea is celebrating the shared values of justice, empathy, and civil discourse that unite Jews and non-Jews alike. A 2021 Pew survey found that 52% of Americans know little about Judaism beyond basic concepts. Misconceptions abound, especially as Jewish teachings like “love thy neighbor” have been absorbed into other religious and secular frameworks without crediting their Jewish roots. 

Brand Judaism is about Common Ground: Jewish and Democratic Values 

Both Judaism and democracy thrive on the free exchange of ideas, the right to debate, and the collective responsibility to uphold justice. Civil discourse is at the heart of both traditions. In democracy, citizens are expected to engage in respectful debate and hold leaders accountable. This mirrors Jewish teachings on the importance of respectful disagreement, or machloket l’shem shamayim—disagreements for the sake of heaven—where even in conflict, there is a shared pursuit of truth. 

Jewish values like tzedek (justice), chesed (loving-kindness), and shalom (peace) are not merely religious mandates; they are ethical frameworks that have shaped Western understanding of governance, human rights, and communal responsibility. The commandment to “love thy neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18) closely aligns with democratic ideals of equality and individual rights. But these shared roots are often overlooked in modern discourse. 

Why Is This Overlooked? 

The profound influence of Jewish thought on democratic principles has become universalized over time. Concepts like justice, civil rights, and community responsibility, once distinctly Jewish, have been absorbed into broader ethical frameworks. This has led to a lack of recognition of their origins. 

For the Jewish community, particularly in the diaspora, the challenge is to reclaim and celebrate these values—not in a way that excludes, but in a way that connects. Jewish ethics have contributed enormously to the moral fabric of democratic societies. It’s time we spotlight this connection, not for self-promotion, but because these shared values offer a powerful antidote to the divisions currently tearing at the fabric of our societies. 

The Time Has Come To Celebrate Our Shared Values 

Brand Judaism is not about commercial branding and simply a term to provide a communications moniker. It’s about recognizing that the core values of Judaism—justice, empathy, love, and civil discourse—are universal ideals that can help bridge today’s divides and bring us together as Jews. These contributions aren’t confined to Jews but resonate deeply with the broader world, especially in the context of democratic ideals. 

For too long, the conversation around Jewish identity has been overly focused on political opinions that divide rather than unite. We need to take  to shift the narrative. We need to celebrate the values that unite us with others, values that are desperately needed in today’s fractured world. When we emphasize justice, loving one’s neighbor, and the commitment to peaceful discourse, we build common ground with non-Jews and Jews alike. 

Raise Awareness: What the Diaspora Needs to Do 

To effectively share these values, we must consider how we communicate our identity. Jewish values and democratic principles are not just aligned—they are deeply interconnected. Civil discourse, the pursuit of justice, and a commitment to the common good are both Jewish and democratic ideals. It’s time to make this overlap more visible. 

In an age where 65% of Americans are exhausted by polarized politics, focusing on ethical principles rather than divisive topics will resonate with a broader audience. The Jewish community can lead by example, modeling how to engage in disagreement without dehumanization, how to uphold justice without sacrificing empathy, and how to love our neighbors, regardless of their affiliations in partnership with others.  

Call for Unity: Take the Higher Ground  

The Diaspora Jewish community is at a crossroads. Do we allow political opinions to dominate the conversation, or do we seize this moment to celebrate the values that unite us with non-Jews and Jews alike? The choice is clear: We must reclaim the ethical frameworks that have guided Jewish life for centuries and elevate them as models for today’s world. 

In a time of division, focusing on what unites us has never been more important. Let’s call for unity, not division—because, in the end, that’s what Judaism and democracy are all about.  To know us is to love us.