I was having a conversation with my rabbi and friend, Rim Meirowitz, back in September about the state of modern democracy. Tongue-in-cheek, he responded: “Democracy is overrated. Only people I agree with should be in charge.”
Over the course of these last weeks, I have spoken and written about the importance of voting, of cultivating patience in the uncertainty, of the division and unity of these times, and of being a civic mensch.
Tonight, I invite you to join us during our virtual services at 6pm, where I will address our congregation on the topic of the preciousness and precariousness of our shared democracy, particularly in this moment. I will quote some of the greatest modern Jewish thinkers: the first Jewish Justice of the Supreme Court, Louis Brandeis z”l; these five pillar U.S. rabbis who days ago co-authored this piece; and the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l, whom we lost just last Shabbat to cancer, may his memory be for a blessing.
RSVP here for tonight’s Zoom link or join us on FaceBook.
Predating the existence of our modern democracies, Rabbi Yitzhak taught in the Talmud, “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted.” (Brakhot 55a) Many a great Jewish thinker have contemplated the value of democracy. Tonight, I will humbly submit my own thoughts. What about your own thinking? How does living in a democracy impact you and your family?
Finally, as the numbers of COVID-19 cases increase, tihiyu bri’im, please stay safe and be well.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
P.S. If you can’t make it tonight to services, the d’var Torah/sermon will be made available next week. Check out FaceBook for more.
