Diversity: A Jeffersonian concept

Whew! Wow! Thank goodness it is over — so many prayers, holidays, holy days, observances etc… in such a short period of time. About three weeks and the days were always filled. I doubt very much that there is another religion or culture that has so many days of observance in such a short period of time. And the amount of time spent on prayer is so overwhelming; I venture to say that even people who did not attend synagogue said a number of prayers to themselves. And, of course, God must have entered into all of these situations.

And that is a matter for important consideration at this time. We use the word God in so many instances outside of prayer. And that is acceptable: God Bless you, God be with you. The word is fairly neutral in that it is not “offensive to Jew, Christian or Muslim.” Each religion will give a particular definition to it. We all use it comfortably without any infringement upon someone else’s belief. I even saw recently a number plate on an auto: God bless you (I hope the driver is never involved in an accident). But, of course, God brings up the idea of religion. And that is quite a different matter of concern.

We in America are very fortunate, for any one — Jew, Christian, Moslem, Buddhist or anyone else — that individual rights are a major thrust of American democracy that must be cherished and guarded. We do allow certain minor religious statements creep into our system. We use the word God in the courts, for an oath, but it must go no further. We are not a Christian democracy. Other countries might use a religious designation before their democracy. But we must guard carefully against any such designation.

Here is wall separating religion from our political system. It was President Thomas Jefferson who fought till his dying day (some say, even from his grave) that a wall separates religion and that wall must never be breached, even the slightest. We must preserve religion — anyone’s — and never allow one religion to have favoritism legally in this country. Even though we say God in the courts, we must be diligent in not allowing anyone or many religions to go further and have power.

We cannot allow religious symbols on government property, it is a breach of that wall of separation that Jefferson regarded as unique and made us different. It must be preserved at all costs. No Star of David should be seen or used, or a cross, or a crescent. The wall of separation strengthens religion in this country and presents our unique democracy and national parks are nationalized and not religions. And their integrity must be honored. There are currently a number of cases before the Supreme Court to test that wall of separation. I hope they call Jefferson to the stand to defend this unique and important policy of American democracy.

We need to stress the importance of prayer and the belief in God to the next generation of children so that their lives will be guided by those of their parents and people, but never infringe upon the religions and responsibilities of another’s religion.

Diversity of religions, acts, beliefs, ceremonies and prayers are different for all groups, but living in true harmony with others, respecting their different beliefs and opinions is what America is all about.

Thank you Mr. President. And we the Jewish people at this very important religious period of the year know it very well.

The Rabbinically Speaking column is provided as a public service by the Jewish Press in cooperation with the Tampa Rabbinical Association. Columns are assigned, on a rotating basis by the board.