“RABBI’S
MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh
Parshas Balak
Pirkei Avos – Perek 5 ---
6 Tamuz 5774/July 4, 2014
After the failure of the Articles of Confederation to adequately govern
the new young nation in 1781, a new constitution was needed.
On May 25, 1787 the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia , in what is now known as Independence
Hall. It was the location where the Declaration of Independence had been signed
11 years prior. There were 55 delegates representing all 13 states, except Rhode Island . George
Washington was unanimously elected as president of the convention.
All through the stiflingly hot summer of 1787 the delegates discussed,
debated, argued, and deliberated about how the new government should be
constructed. It was also agreed that all
meetings would be closed to the public, so windows and doors were kept shut,
making the heat inside even worse. But on September 17, 1787 the Constitution
was signed by the delegates, making it the official law of the land. There would
be three branches of government – Judicial (Supreme Court), Executive
(President), and Legislative (Congress), ensuring that no branch would become
too powerful.
What happened next was memorable and touching, although not very well
known: A horse-drawn carriage containing a live band began playing upbeat
patriotic songs as mass crowds gathered holding torches and clapping excitedly.
They sang songs describing their deep passionate love for the new Constitution
and how important it was to every aspect of their lives. After a few minutes
George Washington himself emerged from the State House clutching the newly
drafted document against to his heart. The other delegates danced wildly in
front of him, in excited undulating formations. Washington ’s eyes were closed and he seemed
lost in a different world. Tears began to flow from his eyes as the throngs
sang “The convention is true and its Constitution is true.”
After a few minutes Washington
handed the document to other notable delegates, such as the elderly Benjamin
Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Each held the new document in
hand and excitedly hoisted it in the air as the masses danced wildly in front
of them.
It was a memorable day, and the celebration accomplished more to
convince people to ratify the constitution than the 85 essays known as the
‘Federalist Papers’.
This story undoubtedly sounds preposterous, and with good reason. The
constitution was, and is, unquestionably a vital document for the formation of
this country. It was also surely exciting for the Founding Fathers when they
completed it. But the bottom line is that it’s just a document of laws,
necessary for the flourishing and preservation of the nascent nation. It’s not
a guide to life.
However, this story is true with some alternate facts. In fact, this
scene has been occurring, and continues to occur, throughout history and the
world, every time a new Sefer Torah is welcomed into a shul, or a new shul is
constructed. We dance with the Torah, clutch it closely against our heart, and
sing “Moshe is true and his Torah is true” with boundless passion and emotion.
The reason for the celebration is that Torah is not merely a constitution or a
book of the Rights of Man. “It is a Tree of Life for those who grasp it, and
those who support it are blissful.” The Torah transcends life and is a guide to
every aspect of life.
Happy July 4th.
Shabbat Shalom & Good
Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum