Let's Not Prejudge-But!

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.

I have refrained from getting involved in politics because I believe that the pulpit and politics do not mix. I am dead set against a bully pulpit as it detracts from the moral aspect of religious life and brings it to a level that prohibits objectivity.

The Prophets of old felt it important to admonish leaders about their societal obligations. And it was very difficult for them to separate religious fervor with governance because they felt that they complemented each other. They argued that you can’t have effective laws without some moral attachment.

But that was a different time and the circumstances surely were different. The Prophets dealt with co-religionists and therefore believed that stewardship and moral imperatives were connected and inseparable.

Having said all that, I still feel that religion and politics do not belong in bed together. We can and should be guided by our convictions but they should never color our attitude toward diversity. And politics require objectivity.

We now have a new president. The election has certainly delivered a strong message of diversity. But I am concerned about recent statements coming from the president-elect indicating a desire and more than that a commitment to establishing close ties to Muslim countries in general and individual Muslims in particular. Alarm bells are ringing in my ears.

I agree wholeheartedly that dialogue is essential for people to understand each other and develop a feeling of connectiveness. And I support the effort espoused. What troubles me is that I have seen efforts in the past that have attempted to open doors but eventually became venues for hatred and vilification. Sometimes people feel that to receive acceptance they must claim it off the backs of other minorities.

We have witnessed scapegoating in our time. Consider the beginning of the civil rights movement. Jews were in the forefront of the liberation and dignity of African Americans. Some of our people lost their lives fighting for the rights of all people as so eloquently described in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self evident…..” The first time in the history of mankind a document outlined the right of peace, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The early civil rights movement identified with the Exodus as described in the Book of Exodus. It associated its subjugation to that of the Hebrews and expressed their feelings of fulfillment in the freedom march that lead the Israelites from bondage to redemption. A Negro Spiritual was written describing the connection – “Go Down Moses” was a clarion call for all oppressed people. And we were overjoyed in sharing this expression of deliverance.

As time went on the connection become diluted and eventually lost in the rush for acceptance. No longer was it acceptable to partner with other minorities because it was felt it diluted the message. And eventually this separation turned into hatred.

Such a waste and what a shame that to become free meant that others needed to be abandoned. No longer was it fashionable to associate with others who shared the feeling of bigotry and humiliation.

So as I witness the transition taking place in our country I sit back and wonder if the time is approaching when a new wave of distrust and hate is on the horizon. Will it become necessary to climb once more on the backs of the oppressed to gain acceptance and recognition? Is accommodation a euphemism for a new form of bigotry?

This country, our country, has gone through many changes during its two hundred thirty three years of existence as a haven for freedom and justice. But even during the worst of times we never lost our sense of right and wrong. As a nation we have witnessed unimaginable horrors not only on distant shores but right here in our beloved country. We have sacrificed life and limb and resources to ensure that people everywhere can come here and feel the freshness of liberty.

I pray that all who call America their home will dwell in safety and enjoy the fruit of their labors in goodwill and brotherhood. I pray that our nation will be led in safety through the raging storm into the path of peace and security. I pray that evil will be abolished in our time for the sake of all humanity.

Yes, politics and religion don’t mix but there comes a time when faith should and could be the guide by which we live and a means by which we treat each other with respect because we are all God’s children, not black or white, Jew, Christian or Muslim. We all pray to one God – let Him answer us with one voice.