The news this week has been constantly covering the many reactions to last Wednesday’s violent riots… an attempt to enact the 25th amendment, a formal banning from YouTube, and articles of impeachment. One conservative talk-radio host commented that regardless of how you view President Trump’s actions, he would be in a much better place today if he would have immediately responded to the riots with a call for peace.
If we carefully examine the events of this week’s parsha we will find a parallel to what we are witnessing in current events.
The Steipler Gaon, Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky z”l, comments on a scenario in this week’s parsha where the Egyptians seemed to make matters worse for themselves.
The second of the ten plagues was the plague of frogs. Frogs filled every corner of Egypt, climbing into Egyptian homes, beds, ovens, and kneading bowls. Rashi comments on the singular language of the Torah, “…and the frog ascended and covered the land of Egypt.” He cites the Midrash Tanchumah that explains that originally one frog rose from the Nile river; the Egyptians would hit it and swarms and swarms of frogs would pour forth [until Egypt was filled with frogs].
The Steipler asks a very simple question, if the Egyptians saw that more and more swarms of frogs came from this frog every time it was hit, then why did they continue hitting it? He explains that this menacing frog infuriated the Egyptians. Every time they hit it, more frogs came out and they became even more enraged, so they were compelled to hit it again. The Steipler writes that while this sounds astonishing and foolish, it is all too common. When we find ourselves upset with someone, we naturally “fight back.” This in turn causes a similar reaction on the other side of the conflict. As long as the battle continues, it intensifies and spreads with every responsive blow. This process continues until “the land is full of frogs.” Meanwhile, if one of the parties would have been able to cool off, leave his pride at the door and let it go, not only would his opposition be spared, but he himself would be in a much better place.
Americans have idolized Rocky Balboa, who fought to the end and would never throw in the towel. We view surrender as a sign of weakness and a lack of courage. As Jews we understand that the Torah views things differently. In many cases, and perhaps most cases, when dealing with personal relationships, surrender represents the better choice, the act which requires greater courage. As Jews we should always be ready to throw in the towel.
None of us have ever faced a pest that multiplied when struck, but we have all experienced conflict and annoyance. The natural reaction is to push back, assert ourselves, and settle the score. We would rather die fighting than be viewed as cowards. We can learn from the Egyptians in this week’s parsha, and the political scene of modern day, that the natural reaction is seldom the ideal reaction. Occasionally, it is necessary to stand strong, but all too often we can achieve greater victory when we wave the white flag.
May Hashem give us the self-awareness to recognize when we are fighting for our own egos rather than for “the cause,” and out of anger rather than sincere conviction. May Hashem give us the wisdom to know which causes are worth fighting for. And may He give us the strength to accept defeat for the better good.