Israeli Society Urged to Embrace Reflection Over Hasty Reactions

The article argues that Israeli society, both privately and publicly, is losing the capacity for reflection and deliberate thought, opting instead for immediate reactions. This "instant" nature is attributed to external threats requiring constant vigilance and an internal tendency towards quick responses. The author suggests that politicians largely neglect the mental state of "delay" or "pause," existing in a perpetual state of reaction.

This trend is exacerbated by modern communication, like social media "tweets," and by a collective, perhaps subconscious, fear of missing out or being outmaneuvered by competitors. The author draws a parallel to the hasty departure from Egypt, suggesting a national psyche that has been "running" ever since, even when detrimental. This haste, it is argued, prevents depth and can signify a disregard for others' feelings and one's own.

The piece highlights the education and justice systems as areas particularly damaged by this urgency. In education, recent data points to a worrying state of teachers' skills, especially in reading, writing, and expression. The author stresses that teacher training must be an ongoing, deep process, not a one-time event, requiring continuous professional development and mentorship.

Similarly, the justice system, despite its gradual development in Jewish law, is susceptible to harm from rushed changes. The article cites the failed experiment with direct prime ministerial elections years ago as an example of hasty governmental action that ultimately proved damaging. The author concludes by referencing the biblical portion "Ki Tavo," which emphasizes historical perspective and careful consideration before action, contrasting it with the rapid, reactive nature of election periods. The piece calls for a shift from impulsive "juggling" to the careful preparation of a farmer, urging Israelis and their leaders to hold onto the past and present with care to secure the future.