This past Friday a newly elected leader took the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States of America. Thousands of years before this historic moment the rabbis of the Talmud codified the proper Jewish response.
While politics have no place in a house of God, religion dare not be insensitive to the reality of the role of governmental leadership. A Mishnah in Ethics of the Fathers teaches the words of Rabbi Hanina, identified as the assistant to the high priests of his time: “Pray for the well-being of the government, for were it not for the fear of its authority a man would swallow his neighbor alive” (3:2).
Throughout the centuries in the many lands of our exile, synagogues faithfully followed this rabbinic injunction. It was no accident that a Jew, Irving Berlin, penned the lines of “God bless America”; he merely put into words what our people had religiously expressed for millennia. The places which afforded us a home deserved our gratitude, just as Jeremiah had instructed us on the eve of our first exile, to “seek the welfare of our government and to pray for it” (Jeremiah 29:7). Prayers for the government were on every Sabbath and holy day an integral part of a traditional Jewish service. The specific text may have varied in order to take into account the titles and names of government officials but every congregation understood that a moment of prayer needed to be set aside for the health and welfare of those responsible for the functioning of the social order.
But there was something far more profound in the formulation of this idea as expressed in the Talmud. It was an insight which only becomes clear when we know a bit more about its author, Rabbi Hanina. And it sheds light on the relevance of praying for the government and its leaders today when there are many whose disappointment with elected officials moves them to do away with continuing this age-old custom.
Rabbi Hanina was not the high priest. He never achieved this lofty title, in spite of his obvious qualifications. He was passed over many times, doomed to remain deputy not to one but to numerous high priests. And we know why he was rejected, never to achieve his life’s dream of the high priesthood. It was all due to the corruption of the government of his time in the period of the Second Temple. Bribery paved the way for inferior candidates to be placed into a position meant for the most deserving spiritual aspirant.
Rabbi Hanina, perhaps more than anyone else, personally understood the potential for the corruption of politics, the failings of kingship in his days or even democracies in our days. Yet it was precisely Rabbi Hanina who is quoted as source for the religious imperative to pray on behalf of the well-being of governments – “for were it not for the fear of its authority man would swallow his neighbor alive.”
Governments, with their faults, are still preferable to anarchy, as Winston Churchill insightfully remarked, “Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all those which preceded it.”
Those who have chosen to cease to recite the ancient prayer for the government because they are not pleased by the results of the most recent election are missing the very point of the custom’s origin.
We do not pray only on behalf of the very best leader. We pray because we value leadership, and we pray for God’s assistance to inspire those we have chosen to fulfill heavenly ideals. We pray not because we are certain we have found the perfect government but because we know it is only God who can help to perfect it.
Prayer needs to outlast the four-year changes of government – because prayer is nothing less than our earthly link with the Almighty’s prophetic vision of eternity.
(16) jim, January 25, 2017 2:42 AM
on trump, wait and see!
on prayer for the govt and people, only the absolute best!
(15) MESA, January 24, 2017 2:24 PM
Whether we voted for Trump or not, whether we like him or not, he is now President of the USA. And that means that we need to pray for him and his government that they shouldn't fail this country. If we're flying on a plane and we don't like the pilot, we still don't want him to crash the plane just to prove our point. If Trump turns out to be a bad president, we can elect him out in 2020. But I hope and pray that he turns out to be a good president whom we can reelect.
Gunther, January 25, 2017 1:20 AM
Will not accept Trump.
I will not recognizes Trump as president just like the Republican Party, the Tea Party and the racist white folks refuse to recognizes Ohama.
(14) Alice Jena, January 24, 2017 12:52 AM
praying for the government
I am praying for the works of this current, bigoted leadership of my U.S.A. to have no power to do the evil they may plan to do.
Ivan, January 25, 2017 4:27 PM
Thank You
Thank you, Alice!
(13) Bob Van Wagner, January 23, 2017 6:21 PM
Politics and the Houses of God
Of course politics must be discussed in a House of G-d! To leave such considerations undiscussed, unevaluated in the light of Torah and accumulated wisdom is to cut one self, to cut off one's hands, even one's arms. It is the lack of honest discussion that has brought on the very bitter and dangerous words and acts.
Rabbi Blech's Student, January 23, 2017 10:19 PM
Divine Providence
The ONLY way a President can run the U.S.A.- is with the guiding Hand of HaShem!!! Anyone who disagrees with this- should read about the vast responsibilities of a sitting President. As a teacher of civics and government (and social studies in general)- I would state unequivocally that without Divine Providence- the Office of the President of the United States would be IMPOSSIBLE to handle!!!
I have NO desire to be President. G-d Bless President Trump!!!! He is going to need all the Help he can get.
Anonymous, January 24, 2017 5:03 PM
I AGREE 100%
we, mere humans, cannot begin to fathom why HASHEM put Mr. Trump in the president's seat. OF COURSE, we must ask Hashem to help him .
(12) Patrick, January 23, 2017 4:05 PM
A Christian Agrees
By praying to GOD in this regard we are asking the Lord Almighty to guide the government and the leaders to do what He considers right and just. After all - His will be done!
(11) Your Talmid, January 23, 2017 1:59 PM
We Need to Clone Rabbi Blech
Rebbe- why is it that you understand this concept of praying for President Trump- while this seems either forgotten or willfully ignored by so many?!!! Whether or not people like Trump or hate him- he is the President. We pray that HaShem will bless the new President with wisdom and goodness of heart. Regardless of political positions G-D BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!'
(10) Les McKay, January 23, 2017 1:34 AM
Mixed Feelings
Rabbi Blech brought up some good points as is common in his articles. "While politics have no place in a house of God..." Sometimes politicians dabble in moral and religious issues. Adonai's people should speak out as did the prophets when the king messed up. One of the commenters brought up a good point to the effect of should we have prayed for the success of Hitler or Stalin? I must confess I have been lax in praying for our government particularly during the time of Obama bin Lyin'. But, to reconcile all views including my own, perhaps we should pray that the government follow the will of Hashem and His ways.
Clark Zlotchew, January 23, 2017 5:26 PM
Les McKay has the right idea.
Les McKay's conclusion, " to reconcile all views including my own, perhaps we should pray that the government follow the will of Hashem and His ways. " is right on the mark.
(9) Anonymous, January 22, 2017 9:26 PM
Prayer for the Individual
Thank you for the article. The more important prayer is to pray for the individual(s) and the people the government serves and/or affects. Prayer for true freedom,charity, peace, mercy, happiness, health, safety, a voice, respect and wealth. We should be praying for that above all for the individual. Then the individual can better live and fulfill the image and purpose for which the Almighty created.
(8) Virginia McCorkle, January 22, 2017 7:50 PM
thank you!!
May this re-minder help each of us re-member that prayer is above all the pettiness of our likes/dis-likes & can be offered, used to mediate & resolve all conflicts. Only by surrendering our ALL to G-d are we able to go on, continue & have the freedoms allowed, knowing that prayer will be followed by divine guidance, ways in which we may heal our broken-ness, feelings & self.
(7) Jewish Mom, January 22, 2017 5:35 PM
I would choose neither
The two opinion poll choices given to not represent all options. Would a Jew have prayed for Hitler's Third Reich government?! Stalin's government? Obviously not. Therefore, it's ludicrous to say that one must pray for all governments no matter who's leading them. But choice #2 is untenable as well. Am I the final arbiter who may judge who is dangerous and who isn't, of good and bad? I would choose deferring to what our Torah leaders tell us to do, which is not one of the choices you give in your poll. That is complicated as well, as if there were a central consensus...
Yitz, January 23, 2017 4:10 AM
Actually, this prayer was said for the Czars in Russia and, yes, for Stalin as well. It's good to know the facts. Those who love us and those who hate us, we pray for them all.
(6) Ben C, January 22, 2017 4:59 PM
Prayer never hurts
Yes, prayer never hurts. However, I believe that we must face the consequences for the choices we make and understand that G-d will not be bailing us out on any kind of regular basis - that's the downside to free will. We keep voting for the same "Republicrats" with the hope that, at some point, things will change for the better. The reality is that the paths to peace become more obscured, and the corruption and concomitant lack of morality and ethics in our government become more profound with each passing election. Unless we learn how to see past the rhetoric, hypocrisy and propaganda, then if we pray for anything it should be that G-d has mercy on us all.
Anonymous, January 22, 2017 6:47 PM
name calling
BH
nice with the name calling.
Yes, we need to pray for mercy from Hashem.
And I thanked Hashem for having mercy on us that my candidate won. The other option was scary.
Go and read.
All the best.
(5) Harry joshephine verstappen dahmen drecher, January 22, 2017 4:47 PM
USA
Our dear. GOD. Blessings the USA and our. ISRAËL Shabath shaloom. TODA.
(4) Holly, January 22, 2017 4:10 PM
Pain
The Trump campaign promoted hatred and violence. Beginning the day after the election, hate crimes in the US started rising. I wear a safety pin every day in solidarity with those groups (Hispanic, GLBTQ, women, non-white, Muslim, and yes, Jews) who have been and are being targeted by those who hate. And what does Trump say about all this? Only anit-Muslim sentiments come out of his mouth. Today, it's Muslims who are okay to be targeted; tomorrow? Jews. No, I do not support a Trump government. It will tear down as many of the civil rights advances as it possibly can. Look who's been put in charge of the EPA? Someone who has spent his career suing the EPA! You're not blind. Open your eyes. There is only pain coming down the road for Jews and for the world because of this individual's stated policies.
Anonymous, January 22, 2017 6:42 PM
inauguration day
BH
do you need a tissue?
did you hear the inauguration speech?
were you busy complaining?
I listen to all of the inauguration speeches even if it is not my party or candidate. It is important to be informed and believe in your country.
In 2008 I was bullied by a coworker when she found out who I was voting for. I said first of all step back, and I told her about JMc. The only thing she said was to make fun of his arms.
If you do not like what our president Trump stands for, so run for president in four years. BTW, Clinton did not even go to Wisconsin; and she wanted to win? Trump worked very hard to win.
end of story.
All the best.
Katie, January 22, 2017 7:05 PM
freedom
BH
What about the fact that over 60 police men were killed last year alone. The veterans and police departments were not being supported altogether.
Do you know that our new president is having a reception for them tonight? It is called appreciation. They get up in the morning to go to work and keep people safe...
malka, January 22, 2017 7:36 PM
You could say the same thing about the clinton campaign...
How has the Hillary camp exemplified peace and tolerance? Her supporters are protesting with violence and accusing all white or non -liberals as being racists etc.
Im sorry but I have more fear of the democrats and the people who supported Bernie Sanders.
Anonymous, January 22, 2017 8:21 PM
The media promotes hatred and violence
Holly, you have been mislead by the leftist propaganda of the media echo chamber. President Trump did not promote hatred and violence. (He didn't always speak so eloquently and if given the opportunity, I don't think I would want to "hang out with him", but he isn't being called upon as our spiritual leader or to marry our daughters.)
Listen to the speeches, not what the media said he said. His inauguration speech was full of references to being for ALL Americans, but because he DID NOT delineate by sex organ, sexual preference, sex identify and race, his speech was called divisive. Seriously, what is more divisive, segmenting Americans according to their skin color, gender identity and sexual preferences or just working to raise up ALL Americans? Step back a moment and think about it. The answer should be clear.
(3) Katie, January 22, 2017 12:52 PM
What?!
BH
I will continue my comment...
I noticed our president's name is not in the article... he worked very hard to win the votes. Would you not want to be recognized for it?
To paraphrase, during the inauguration, it was mentioned:
Jefferson said: we are all republicans, we are all federalists; Lincoln said: with malice to none and charity for all; FDR said: the only thing to fear is fear itself; Kennedy asked the question: what are you doing for your country? Reagan said: the inauguration is commonplace and miraculous. And Trump (45th and new president) said: when there is patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.
Dr. MLK said: what are you doing for others?
Something wrong with any of those words?
Or did you skip the inauguration?
Go and read what is written on the dollar (in latin): out of many, one.
What happened to: love your fellow like yourself?
Shavua tov.
(2) Anonymous, January 22, 2017 12:12 PM
I pray that H-shem gets us through these next 4 years
I pray that G-d helps all of us get through these next 4 years. I also pray that we can do better in the midterm elections in 2018.
(1) Katie, January 22, 2017 11:04 AM
I believe in the responsibility of only wishing everyone well.
We are all in this together.
Unity is strength.
Why not be patriotic?
Anonymous, January 22, 2017 6:56 PM
Thank you Rabbi Rosenberg
BH
Thank you Rabbi for standing up for your beliefs.
Can you believe some singer actually said that she dreams of blowing up the WH? Time to put her on the terrorist list. Thankfully, I never paid money for her music. All those celebs who turn their backs on our country, I do not go to their movies, etc..
As always, prayer is the answer.