Most of you know that I grew up in a very religious environment. I am the son of a Pastor, the nephew of a Pastor, the brother, and the cousin of Pastors, and indeed, I went to Seminary myself. For what was probably the worst seven years of my life, I was also a Pastor. Trust me, I have a working knowledge of theology and faith.

My own course took me away from the faith tradition of my family. In 2007, after a very long road and many internal struggles, I fully converted to Judaism. Many of my former compatriots were highly upset by this, and in some cases, they haven’t spoken to me since. C’est le vie.

All that said, one of my biggest concerns about the 2020 election (and even before then) is the whole “G-d is on my side” mentality that seems to guide so many people. Not in the sense of the Deity is watching over them, but in the “I’m gonna get what I want because G-d” mindset. Before the election, I had conversations with both Rodbo and Bill about that concern. What are these kinds of people going to do when the Deity DOESN’T do as they have commanded Him* to do?

Along my walk in my faith, I learned that there ARE in fact, certain social obligations. Not “socialism” as practiced by luminary humanitarians like Josef Stalin and Antifa, but actual, legitimate G-d commanded social obligations. in fact, one of those obligations has prevented me from ever joining the Libertarian Party (Pirkei Avot 5:10).

Among other commandments of my faith, is a simple understanding that I am afraid would almost never play in today’s political Peoria:

“And seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray to the LORD in its behalf;for in its prosperity you shall prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

“Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires,every man would swallow his neighbor alive.” (Pirkei Avot 3:2)

The same idea is later echoed by Thomas Hobbs, who said that without government, life would be “nasty, brutish and short.” This is why tonight, in synagogues all over the world, in countries ruled by tyrannical dictators, in nations with weak leaders, and in free nations where religious freedom is treasured, Jews will recite this prayer:

“Our God and God of our ancestors, with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government. Pour out your blessings upon this land, upon its inhabitants, upon its leaders, its judges, officers, and officials, who faithfully devote themselves to the needs of the public. Help them understand the rules of justice you have decreed, so that peace and security, happiness, and freedom, will never depart from our land.”

*Don’t even go there. G-d is a “He.” Deal with it.