blogs/rabbi-huberman

On April 2, 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring a “National Day of Reflection,” in honor of the Torah’s “Seven Commandments.”

Yes, the Seven Commandments. Reagan correctly termed them the Noahide Laws, defining that list as “a moral code for all of us, regardless of religious faith.”

Proclamation 4921, endorsed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, began with these words.

“Amid the distractions and concerns of our daily existence, it is appropriate that Americans pause to reflect upon the ancient ethical principles and moral values which are the foundation of our character as a nation.”

The Torah’s Seven Commandments are largely unknown. We are, of course, familiar with the 10 Commandments—which will be presented later in the Torah at Mount Sinai—but not so much Noah’s laws introduced during this, the second week of our annual Torah reading.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth—and then created humanity. But things did not work out well. Cain kills Abel. Subsequent generations engage in immorality, thievery, lawlessness and worship of materialism.

Judaism will soon be introduced—but not yet. And so, God reboots the world with the Great Flood. The survivors, Noah and his family, are tasked with the responsibility of creating a new, more just society. Humanity 2.0.

God promises never to destroy the world again, but of course that does not mean that humanity nor the earth are safe. After Noah’s Ark comes to rest on Mount Ararat, the Torah introduces a series of ethical guidelines, which our Sages later expand upon.

They include:

·      Establish courts of justice.

·      Do not commit murder.

·      Do not steal.

·      Do not curse God.

·      Do not eat the flesh torn from a live animal. (This commandment to not eat meat with blood flowing through it would later influence kosher laws.)

·      Do not commit adultery or sexual immorality.

·      Do not worship idols.

How interesting that these laws do not necessarily require us to believe anything. They are common sense values designed to guide future civilizations.

Friends, later today, I will go with my wife and son to vote in what will be my first federal election since becoming an American citizen almost four years ago.

As a child growing up in Canada, I always looked south to the United States with great respect. America has always been considered the world’s greatest democracy.

And democracy, defined in Greek “as a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state”—also has roots in Judaism.

The Talmud quotes Rabbi Isaac who taught, “We must not appoint a leader over a community without first consulting it…”

Pirkei Avot, our 2,000 year old collection of wise rabbinical sayings, says that even if we are not fond of the government in power, we should still support it.

Rabbi Hanina said: “Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every man would swallow his neighbor alive…”

Indeed, Judaism has tolerance for differences in opinion—provided they are offered L’Shem Shamayim—in the name of heaven.

As a rabbi, I balance two realities. I am a communal leader, but I am also an individual. As a leader, I would be remiss if I did not share with you how tired I am of the endless conversations and dueling realities during this election campaign.

Perhaps most of all, I am exhausted by the yelling and the number of second-hand emails and links forwarded to me each day. Many of them are skewed or at minimum, journalistically flawed.

I hold an honors degree in journalism. I have worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and publisher. I have taught journalism. I have served on the journalism advisory committee of a major college. I am a former press secretary.

Indeed, I see both positives and negatives on all sides of the political spectrum.

In my early years, when I served as a newspaper reporter, as I attended political debates in Canada, in order to maintain my objectivity, I actually shared my vote with my daughters, at the time aged 10 and 14.

Both would often attend these forums with notebooks in hand and record in great detail quotes from all candidates.

After extensive kitchen conversation, they would enter the voting booth with me, and according to their conscience, marked their X on my behalf.

From the moment they turned 18, neither has missed voting in an election—whether at a federal or local level, and that tradition will soon be shared with their children. But we live in different times. We are divided.

I reside, of course, in the New York area. My wife’s family is based in Kentucky and Ohio. At family gatherings, I have gained tremendous respect for all opinions when they have been expressed to me, “L’Shem Shamayim,”—in the name of heaven.

But now it is time for all of us to tune out the noise and make personal choices based on our values, our love of country and its future and, yes, our support of Israel.

Ultimately, as I cast my ballot today, I will take one last look at the Seven Commandments honored 42 years ago by President Reagan and a united Congress. I will vote with Torah in my heart.

And that will begin with seven basic principles established after the Great Flood, instituted by the Torah to govern all humanity, and recognized by President Ronald Reagan.

We are all as one. And in our hearts, even though we may differ in perspective, we each know at this stage what to do. Let us agree to turn down the volume and honor the process.

Let us accordingly respect democracy, each other and, yes, the Torah, as we complete this sacred responsivity.

Let us “honor our neighbor,” by respecting our diversity.

Above all—please vote—L’Shem Shamayim.

As only you can do—in the name of heaven.

Shabbat shalom v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman