“I want to sit under my own vine and fig tree”

“I want to sit under my own vine and fig tree.”

If you’re a “Hamilfan” like me (a fan of the hit Hamilton musical, recently added to Disney+’s catalogue), then you’ll recognize these yearning words—which allude to Micah 4:4—sung by George Washington’s character in the song, “One Last Time.” This transcendent phrase, oft-uttered by the real Washington, addresses the one-dollar Founding Father’s hope that all who dwelled in America, himself included, might someday be able to enjoy repose in those soon-to-be-united states.

Were only he to have attained his dream, if only he (or we) had achieved that goal! On July 6th, the right of foreign students to study in the United States was attacked, and it was another reminder that the American vine and fig tree have not yet borne fruit. But, in the last week, we also saw that the strength of our collective voices led to a change in policy.

In the midst of a pandemic, our American desideratum to elevate disempowered voices feels all the more pressing. The voices of international students; of foreigners dwelling in our midst; of women; of religious minorities; of black, Indigenous, and all people of color; of members of the LGBTQ family…we need these now more than ever. If we are to build America into a city upon a hill (to borrow another tradition’s phraseology), these all are required.

George Washington isn’t the only one who has wished for the vision of Micah 4:4 to come true; I know I have too. And, as it were, some research has shown that plants grow better when spoken to. Maybe that’s what the vine and fig tree have been waiting for? To hear the voices of all people?

I’m no horticulturist, but it certainly can’t hurt to try.

Wishing you a vocal, peaceful shabbat shalom!