Praying for children, Isaac, we are told, does the beseeching on his wife’s behalf, or with her in mind.

The Bible’s major lesson is how the prayers of the righteous are heard. But there’s a lesson here as well, politically.

Whenever we do anything to fix a societal issue, it’s critical we remember those affected by it. It’s not enough to try and fix an issue to our satisfaction.

It must be, as with Isaac, l’nochach—for the other’s benefit.

Government faces complicated issues. Sometimes what could be a solution adversely affects all (or a portion) of them.

Rules and regulations exist for good reason. But we must ensure that those in need are getting help.

We must commit to keeping them in mind as we go about advocating for a true fix.

Words to consider. Ideas to ponder. Politics and the parsha.

Howie Beigelman, formerly of Springfield, NJ, is executive director of Ohio Jewish Communities. He works at the intersection of Jewish communal service and nonprofit advocacy. Follow him on Twitter @howielb.

By Howie Beigelman