Last week I received in the mail something I have never received before. Most of my friends had received it, some many times. But not me – until now.
I have been called for Jury Duty!
I remember conversations about how to get out of Jury Duty. There are some excuses that almost always work. There are others, like saying that you think J-walking is a capital offense, which, I assume, were jokes. But deep down I was always a little bit jealous that they had been called and I had not.
Until now.
To begin with, let me say that I truly believe I am the type of juror who neither the prosecution nor the defense would want. In Rabbi School we are trained to over-analyze just about everything. We analyze words, we analyze context, we explore history and we read faces and body language. And we are taught that if we eliminate the impossible, what remains must be the truth. It’s not easy in the religion trade.
In addition, Jewish legal tradition requires us, if we might possibly err, to err on the side of compassion and mercy. In a tie the vote goes to the defense, and maybe when it’s almost a tie, and maybe even when it’s not quite a tie.
With all that said, I am looking forward to serving, not because I am entitled to, but because as a participating member of our democracy, I feel I am obligated to. Democracy works only when everyone participates – convenient or not.
I once read that early democracies functioned well, so long as everyone took part. Everyone served in the military. If you believed that a military action was necessary, then you personally took up arms. Things changed drastically when the wealthy could hire others to serve for them. When that happened the makers of foreign policy were voting to send others to war.
That is one of the things I most admire about the State of Israel. Everyone must serve to protect their tiny state.
Being willing to serve—in fact, being obligated to serve–is at the core of Judaism.
JUDAISM IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT.
We have many, many different ways to involve ourselves in our congregational community. Yes, worship is one – but only one. We have a Religious School growing up right before our eyes. We have our Caring Circle to help us when we need it most. We have social events like our wonderful Purim Extravaganza (Rabbi in the Habit). We have a new Brotherhood. If you cannot help, at least attend.
There is no wrong choice when it comes to taking action on what you are willing to do or how you are willing to help. All avenues are open.
There is only one wrong road – The Road to Doing Nothing.
B’Shalom
Rabbi Stanley Halpern