17 Mar A TORAH GOVERNMENT; pt1 Why Transition to a Torah Gov’t – pt 2 Unity and a Torah Justice System

Pt 1- WHY DESIRE A TRANSITION TO A TORAH GOVERNMENT?  

Rabbi Gamliel; ‘All who work for the community, let them work for the [sake of the] name of Heaven; for the merit of their ancestors sustains them’.Pirkei Avot 2:2-4

A person who serves in a time of a Torah government does not campaign for his appointment. His appointment to serve the public is by way of his ability, his merit, a meritocracy. There is no reward to serve other that the merit of service itself. There is no financial incentive (salary) to service although there may be some that may receive a modest stipend.

In our modern times where there is no Sanhedrin (Supreme Jewish Court) or Torah Government there may be a reputable Orthodox Beit Din, a Jewish Law Tribunal to adjudicate matters.

The rabbi’s who preside on a Beit Din, a Jewish Tribulnal, do not get paid to adjudicate, however those who are in the administration may be paid.

pt2 UNITY AND A TORAH JUSTICE SYSTEM

A Torah government is a Meritocrasy. Those who serve to represent the society are appointed by their ability, their merit, not through an election. Although it is a privilage to serve in government, one does not seek out such an honour , and there is no personal gain to serving. Service may be done without salary although some may receive a modest stipend. Similarly today, those who serve on an Orthodox Beit Din do not get paid however those who work in administration may.

The following excerpt from the Torah Parshas Mishpatim talks about the need for unification within a Torah Government where there may be votes on matters of majority and minority within the government;

Mishpatim 23; 2-3  Trust in Justice (Kehot Chumash)

Leib Getzel (Lawrence) Lax
Addictions and Counseling
lawrenceJlax@gmail.com

 Kehot Chumash Commentary 23:2-3