Parshat Shofetim: Deuteronomy 16:18 -21: 9 By Rabbi Denise L. Eger

In this season of political conventions questions of leadership come to the forefront of all of our minds. We listen to the speeches of the candidates and the details of the party platforms with many promises of future action and direction for our country. In a few short weeks, on November 4, we will have the opportunity and responsibility to cast our vote for the position of President of the United States.

Yet so many people are disillusioned with the political process they regularly do not vote. They stick their heads in the sands to the pressing needs of our country and the world and their neighbors. They believe their voice doesn’t matter and yet it is clear that it does matter. Only when the people speak up will those governing respond. In the absence of the voices of everyday citizens, corporate lobbyists continue to be heard above everything else. We need to take the opportunity and privilege that we have been blessed with and exercise our right to vote on the issues and the candidates running for office. (If you are not registered or recently moved then to vote in this November’s election you must register by October 20, 2008). You can register to vote by clicking on the LA County Recorder’s website at www.lavote.net.

Our Torah portion this week, Shofetim, speaks about the voice of the people and their choice in governance. Although it would have been hard for our tribal ancestors to imagine the democracy we have today, they did imagine that they would want a monarchy like other nations. “If after you have entered the land that Adonai your God has given you, and occupied it and settled in it, you decide, “I will set a king over me as do all the nations about me” you shall be free to set a king over yourself,” (Deut. 17:14-15).

Once the Israelites were settled in the land they asked Samuel the Judge and Prophet for a king. Reluctantly, Samuel finally agreed and Saul became the first King of the Israelites, followed by David and Solomon. The people wanted to choose their form of governance.

There is good advice that follows in this week’s portion for the one chosen to lead the people. And this was good advice to the kings of Israel and perhaps it is good adviceto our presidential candidates and other leaders today! “…he shall not keep many horses or send people back to Egypt to add to his horses…and he shall not have many wives, lest his heart go astray; nor shall he amass silver and gold to excess” (Deut. 17:16-17).

The future kings of Israel are advised not to get so high and mighty and drunk with their wealth and power that they forget their humanity. They should not amass so much wealth that it distances them from the people. It is easy for the politicians of any era whether ancient or in present days to forget the people whom they serve. It is easy with the yes men and women who give advice so freely to be really challenged to think on behalf of a nation rather than for individual gain. In our day and time when it takes so much money to be elected to office whether locally or nationally, the Torah’s advice to remain focused on God, morality and the people are an important counterpoint to the trappings of office.

The ancient kings of Israel in this week’s portion are told to “have a copy of this Teaching written for him on a scroll by the levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read in it all his life so that he may learn to revere Adonai his God to observe faithfully every word of this Teaching as well as these laws.” (Deut. 17:18-19). Moses and our teachers conveyed that a leader must understands that they are not the final arbiter, nor are they the ultimate in power but in the end humility and honesty will help mitigate the sense of entitlement that comes with governing. “Thus he will not act haughtily toward his fellows…” (Deut. 17:20).

Our Torah has such good advice for us and for kings and yes, presidents too! It is our task to hold candidates on both sides of the aisle accountable and yes, to remind them that they are but one of the people. And we voters and we Jews who have been given the gift of Torah would be good to hold all the candidates accountable in this way!

Posted by Jimmy at September 1, 2008 05:04 PM