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Amongst the many expectations of clergy of all faiths is to deliver homilies that address current matters. That will usually mean linking an important holy text to their remarks, which is something that I try to do where possible on Friday evenings as well as foster a modern connection between the portion in the Torah (or Haftarah) and the world on Shabbat morning. I’ve been grateful to God that I continue to receive Divine inspiration to find the right words and a potentially novel understanding of our sacred texts. What happens when the events of the day are in complete opposition to the words of the Torah?

I have endeavored to keep politics off the bima and out of the service, and my reason is quite simple. When we are bombarded with non-stop political news, it is good for our mental health to have a sanctuary to occupy where politics remains outside the door. It will still be there when we leave, but for the duration of time in the sanctuary, it is not present. We can concentrate on our relationship to God and how to become the best version of ourselves.  The vast majority of people have told me that they appreciate the brief break; I know that I do. I have regularly told people that I am the Rabbi of Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Socialists, and Green Party members, although there are most likely minor parties that I have omitted. I try to keep my opinions out of my sermons and conversations, as I would not want them to be a stumbling block in my relationships with my congregants. But I return to my aforementioned question: What do clergy do when declarations emanating from government contradict our most sacred teachings?

The Torah states 36 times to remember the stranger, for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. We are commanded in Leviticus 19:14: Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am the Lord. We are commanded in Leviticus 19:18: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. 

There are more commandments that I can quote, but I think that you get the point. The Rabbis of the Talmud were keenly aware of the challenges of speaking the words of Torah and the potential risks, when Avtalyon said in Pirkei Avot 1:11: Sages, be careful of what you say lest you be exiled by the authorities. Apparently, the challenges of how to teach Torah without conflicting with government existed during the Roman Era and continue until this day. 

It can be a challenge or an opportunity, but it is nevertheless a delicate juggling act. How does a clergy person teach their tradition in a way that does not offend some? The flip side of the coin is a rather potent question: If the teachings of my tradition make you feel that I am attacking a governmental official, with our teachings being 3,500 years old, what does that say about the individual that you state is being attacked? The ancient Chinese proverb has come true: May you live in interesting times. I pray that I can offer unconflicted guidance and teaching as well.