Parameters of ‘The Bias Inside Us’

This week concluded an extraordinary exhibit at the Boulder JCC. Under the direction of the CEO Jonathan Lev, the Boulder JCC was chosen to be the recipient of an elaborate multi-faceted display of various aspects of the nature of Bias, individually and socially, across race and gender. A major conclusion of the exhibit was that no one is free of bias, so we might as well learn to understand our biases and work with them in a positive way.

I was struck by how many of the talks and presentations were rooted in Torah concepts. Furthermore, with my ‘punny’ outlook on life, I realized that the Ashkenazic pronunciation of the word for ‘house’ is ‘bayis.’ I immediately jumped to the idea that we can look at our biases as our personal and unique ‘houses’ in which our personalities live. We all have very distinctive features of both nature and nurture that combine to make the qualities of who we are.

Another elegant synchronicity with this exhibit is the set of Torah readings that concurred with the timing of this month long exhibit that was visited by groups of people and individuals of all ages and backgrounds and races. In detailing the five Torah portions at the end of the book of Exodus, concerning the elaborate specifics about the construction of the tabernacle, there is an insistence on combining both individual and group activity. For example, each individual prince and tribe presented both similar and different offerings, In fact when the princes of each tribe brought exactly the same gifts, the Torah which weighs every word, lists each of those gifts separately. The sages explain that each identical gift came from totally different intentions and symbols and so each merited special mention.

How does this relates to bias? As we identify with those most similar to us in a multitude of ways, think about those who are different and even antithetical to our beliefs, tendencies, and comfort zones. As we may consciously or unconsciously enter a default zone of resistance to those obviously poles apart from us, it can be extremely helpful to find ways that we are similar to those people. This similarity can start in our thoughts, but also spread to our words and actions. Even if we can’t go beyond our thoughts, the positive energy we emit can make a real difference in removing inner resistance and creating bridges of connection.

Just a few examples to counteract negative bias, based on Torah guidelines: Daily gifts of Tzedakah, even a few coins in a designated container to be distributed at a helpful time. This small act helps you open the gates of connection with others. Also, having taught teenagers for several years, I have seen, especially with girls, the closeness they feel in their own cliques can often alienate those they exclude. Magnify this to large groups and contexts, and prejudice has a fertile ground for expansion.

Teachers and other influencers have both the ability and responsibility to reverse these exclusionary patterns. In particular, this is important in the presence of bullying, which in this cyber age, increases exponentially. Teachers as well as parents under their education and guidance, can not only stop the bullying but even more effectively train the non-bullies to become allies who can defend the victims and call out even subtle signs of negative bias.

Another sensitive and caring Torah perspective: Even if someone were convicted of a serious crime, once the penalty is carried out, we are forbidden to treat the person as ‘a criminal.’ In fact, even regarding a well-known Rasha, an evil person whom we are ‘allowed’ to hate, we are still urged to feel love and compassion for the good potential within them!

On a more individual level, the Torah advocates both internal and interpersonal restrictions on taking revenge and even bearing a grudge. For example, if you asked a neighbor to borrow something and they refused, you shouldn’t refuse them if they ask or even say, ‘I’ll lend you something, unlike you who didn’t want to let me borrow something.’ There are so many more guidelines in Torah regulations against bias, both in actions, words, and even thoughts.

The exhibit addressed many of these issues in a clever and engaging manner. The fact that Boulderites were able to view them in the setting of the JCC was so appropriate to the Jewish perspective of not causing pain even unintentionally through ‘shutting the doors’ of our personal ‘bayis’ instead of intelligent and caring including those who may feel left out. This doesn’t mean inviting danger, but it’s good to differentiate, as a classic Israeli author, Chaim Ginot wrote about in the 1950’s, between the actions of people, and their intrinsic value. This seemingly subtle distinction can mean a world of difference; it can even disarm the most negative bias. If you need assistance in upgrading and sanctifying your personal ‘bayis’, consider acquiring a kosher mezuzah which reminds us all about being created with a divine image. G-d willing this powerful exhibit has impacted our community in a positive and permanent way, and is an example of ‘Kiddush Hashem,’ to the extent of helping to conquer the tide of antisemitism in our world, and that will have made the presentation infinitely valuable.