It’s a charge that’s been leveled against the Jewish people for centuries. Even Josephus, way back in the first century C.E., tackled this very criticism in his work, Against Apion.
The accusation goes something like this: "You Jews haven't exactly been churning out groundbreaking inventions or revolutionary new philosophies, have you?"
Ouch.
Some cultures, Josephus points out, prize novelty above all else. They see it as a sign of intelligence, a mark of progress, to constantly be breaking with the past, discarding old traditions, and blazing new trails. They see wisdom in transgression.
But is that really wisdom?
Josephus argues, quite passionately, that our strength lies precisely in our commitment to our ancient laws, to the traditions passed down from generation to generation. It's not that we're incapable of innovation, but that we believe true wisdom lies in adhering to the principles that have guided us for millennia.
"We, on the contrary," Josephus writes, "suppose it to be our only wisdom and virtue to admit no actions nor supposals that are contrary to our original laws."
Think about that for a moment. It's a radical statement in a world obsessed with the new. It suggests that true progress isn't about discarding the old, but about understanding and embodying its timeless wisdom.
Why? Because these laws, these traditions, aren't arbitrary. They've been tested by time. They've shaped our identity, sustained us through hardship, and guided us toward a more just and compassionate world.
And Josephus suggests that the very fact we haven't felt the need to constantly revise or overhaul our fundamental laws is a testament to their inherent strength and validity. “For such laws as are not thus well made are convicted upon trial to want amendment.” In other words, a law that constantly needs fixing probably wasn't a very good law to begin with.
So, the next time someone accuses you of being too traditional, of clinging to the past, remember Josephus. Remember that our commitment to our heritage isn't a sign of backwardness, but a source of strength.
Maybe, just maybe, the real innovation lies not in constantly reinventing the wheel, but in understanding and appreciating the enduring power of the original design.