A Time for Reconciliation

November 6, 2004 - 22 Chesvan 5765
Parshat Hayye Sarah

These are difficult times for our nation. Just beyond the exhilaration of political victory is a deep sense of division that is affecting our country these days. Despite the fact that our President believes that he now has a mandate from the people and has been given the “political capital” to affect change, the small majority by which President Bush won the election this week is a sign that America is deeply divided, and that we are hardly of one mind.

But we’re not just divided; we’re angry at one another. For the past several months the public dialogue over the elections has been filled with personal accusation and name calling. I suspect that most Americans did not vote for their candidate – the voted against the other one. The first order of business, then, for our president must be to bring about some healing and reconciliation in our country. If there was ever a time when leadership was called for, it’s now. And if President Bush wishes to prove that he is a true leader in the coming months he must do so not only by carrying out his agenda but by creating a decent and meaningful dialogue over issues of substance in our country once again.

I’m reminded of a familiar old joke about the rabbi who received a get well notice from his synagogue: “Dear Rabbi - The congregational board has voted seven to five to wish you a speedy recovery.” That’s hardly an overwhelming majority or heartfelt good wishes. President Bush is our reelected president and we owe him our allegiance and support, but I would hope that he is insightful enough to recognize that the issues dividing America these days are serious and that they deserve to be addressed in a meaningful manner. After all, no one has a monopoly on the truth, and no society can stand with two groups of people believing that there is only one right point of view.

In our Haftorah this morning we read about another type of political transition which took place in the time of King David. Having ruled over the people for forty years, the great king of Israel had grown old and incapable of exerting power. Even before his death, one of David’s sons usurped the throne and managed to win over the support of some of King’s most trusted advisors. It’s only through the intervention of Nathan the Prophet and Bathsheba that David exerts his leadership one last time to place Solomon on the throne.

Several weeks from now, we will read the continuation of this story in yet another Haftorah. Lying on his death bed, David calls young Solomon to his side to instruct him in how to assume leadership. And in a passage that sounds like its right out of the “God Father,” David tells Solomon who to knock off in order to assume control of his newly formed government.

It is a deeply troubling chapter. Turning to Solomon, David says: “You know Joab, my former advisor? The one who was quick to go over to Adoniyah even before I was dead? He was responsible for the death of some of my most beloved allies. Don’t let him go to his grave an old man…”

Solomon does as his father instructs him. I guess we could say that this is the “real politick” of Biblical times (and the contemporary world for that matter) but it’s hard not to be troubled by this passage. And in fact the sages suggested that the Davidic line was punished for Solomon’s actions. Though his descendents were allowed to keep the throne, for generations to come the curse that David placed on Joab would affect the descendents of King David. Instead of seeking ways to bring about reconciliation and peace, Solomon began his monarchy was blood shed and death. Only a generation later his son Rechaboam would go even farther in exerting his authority, thus bringing about a divided monarchy.

So what can we learn from this political narrative? Despite his wisdom, Solomon underestimated the long term effects of using his political strength. Sometimes a true leader has to learn how to be gracious and compassionate. And while there are times when a show of force is called for, often the greatest show of strength is the ability to withhold one’s first instinct. “Who is mighty?” the sages asked, “One who overcomes his own impulses, as it is written, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty and one who rules over his spirit than one who conquers a city.”

So if I could talk to President Bush today, I’d say, “Mazel Tov, Mr. President, and good luck as you begin your second term. But remember that there are many people who are sincere and proud Americans who disagreed strongly with your points of view. You owe it to them and you owe it to yourself to listen to what they have to say. You are the president of all the people and not just the political right and evangelical conservatives. And the issues over which we disagree are not black and white or simple issues. There is another point of view. And unless you address the concerns of these people you will go down in history as the president who reigned over the most divided American nation since the war in Vietnam.”

“By the same token Mr. President, I will listen more carefully to what you have to say even if I disagree with you. After all, our goal is not to be right or to win but to do what is best for all the people of our nation. Too many American feel that they are being disenfranchised these days. Too many American are struggling to get by, and you must listen to their anguish and concerns. And we are a complex and divided nation that represents many points of view not only on politics but morality.”

“Mr. President, I hope you will reach out to those who disagree with you and listen to what they have to say. They have a great deal to contribute to our country. And I hope that they will have enough humility to set aside the acrimony and create the kind of partnerships that will allow us to grow as a country.”

“The people have spoken. And we must respect that. America is changing and those who see themselves as “liberals” must also respect the will of the people no matter how much they disagree with it or how close the election may have been. We are blessed to live in a nation where there is always room for dissent and differences of opinion not to mention freedom of expression. If we cannot recognize that as liberals, how can we expect conservatives to treat us with the same respect when the tide changes. We have four years to argue our point of view and to share with the American people issues which we hold close to our hearts. We will be vigilant in challenging you but just as strong in supporting your presidency.”

Humility is the word of the day, Mr. President. I hope you will be humble enough in re-assuming the mantle of leadership to recognize that America is big enough for all of us, and that patriotism is neither red nor blue.

Finally, I want you to know that I will continue to pray for you and for the welfare of our nation. Our prayer book contains a lovely passage in which we ask God’s blessings for our government and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. But it is the Hebrew prayer that really captures the message of the day. It says: “Plant in all the peoples and faiths of our nation love and harmony, peace and friendship. Uproot from their hearts hatred and enmity, jealousy and competitiveness.”

The time has come for us all to work together. You made your argument. Now listen to ours.

Shabbat Shalom