Jealousy of the Superior Man

01 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in American Politics and Life, Quote of the Day, Social Justice

As we enter the last weeks of the presidential election campaign I confess to being confounded by the intensity of hatred felt and expressed by many Republicans towards President Obama.

Yes, there are policy differences between Democrats and Republicans.

Yes, people blame (wrongly!) this President for the nation’s economic woes.

Yes, millions actually believe the “Birther” claims that Obama is “foreign,” Muslim and “other.”

And yes, there is racism.

Here is yet another possibility originally noted by H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) more than fifty years ago: “Jealousy of the superior man is a constant corrosive element in society.”

What else except jealousy joined with ignorance, stupidity, fear, anger, bigotry, selfishness, myopic thinking, and God knows what else could account for the depth of animus directed at this President?

Obama, truth to tell, is far more centrist than left. He is not an ideologue. Rather, he is pragmatic and conciliatory as an analysis clearly shows in Sunday’s New York Times of the ways in which The Affordable Care Act (i.e. “Obamacare”) is based on conservative values (see “The Conservative Case for Obamacare” by J.D. Kelinke, September 30, 2012, “Sunday Review,” p.4). http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/opinion/sunday/why-obamacare-is-a-conservatives-dream.html?pagewanted=all

After reading the article, no reasonable person can come to any conclusion except that Republican haters of Obama and Obamacare (fed by Republican Senate and Congressional leadership) have gone off the deep end, cannot analyze policy options without a serious overlay of emotional/political bias, could actually care less about policy and are consumed with the need for self-aggrandizement and moral self-justification. Many of these same folks hated Bill Clinton with equal intensity when he was President and, I assume, will spare nothing against Hilary should she toss her hat in the ring for the 2016 presidential race.

What do Obama and Clinton have in common (other than being male and Democratic Presidents) that inspires such hatred?

Mencken put it deftly; “Jealousy of the superior man.”

Though not without their flaws few politicians are as smart, clear-thinking, knowledgeable, thick-skinned, eloquent, skilled, and talented as are Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Their charisma and excellence must drive the Republicans to distraction as they have no one of equal talent in this race or on the horizon!

I pray that the haters don’t succeed in corroding the inner moral character of this country further and are turned back handsomely on November 6 in the presidential race and Congress.

The Measure of Our Character – Reflections on Shabbat T’shuvah

21 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in Ethics, Health and Well-Being, Holidays, Quote of the Day

≈ 1 Comment

During this intense period of introspection we Jews are called upon to reflect deeply about our values as individuals and as a community, our behavior and ethical standards, and the condition of our souls. Much of the process of t’shuvah (repentance) centers on “character.”

Here are thoughts for this Shabbat T’shuvah and Yom Kippur:

“The true measure of a person is how he treats someone who can do him/her absolutely no good.” (Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784)

The measure of a person’s character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.” (Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1800-1859)

“A person of character finds a special attractiveness in difficulty, since it is only by coming to grips with difficulty that he/she can realize his/her potentialities.” (Charles de Gaulle, 1890-1970)

“What you are thunders so loudly that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882)

“Rabbi Ilai said: By three things may a person’s character be determined: By his/her cup, by his/her purse and by his/her anger (koso, kiso and kaaso – this refers to how one holds one’s liquor, spends one’s money, and expresses/controls one’s anger); and some say: By his/her laughter also.” (Bavli, Eruvin 65b)

“Good character is more important than wealth, good looks, popularity and even education. These things do not guarantee happiness and often they become obstacles to developing good character. Character is ethics in action.” (Michael Josephson, b. 1942-)

“It’s not how you come into the world, it’s how you leave it that is the measure of the man/woman.” (Edward Wahl – my late father in-law – 1916-2004)

Governor Romney’s Failure Of Character And Ours

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in American Politics and Life, Ethics, Health and Well-Being, Holidays, Inuyim - Prayer reflections and ruminations, Israel and Palestine, Israel/Zionism, Quote of the Day, Social Justice

≈ 1 Comment

As Governor Mitt Romney’s campaign for President collapses as a consequence of his flawed character, the following quotations help shed light on what plagues him and far too many in this country. They also offer decent people within both the Republican and Democratic parties insight into what is necessary to understand in order for us to transcend Romney’s callousness, self-centeredness, ignorance, and stupidity. Too much is at stake for this country, for peace between Israel and the Palestinians (both of whom yearn for peace!), for wise American leadership vis a vis the Iranian nuclear threat, and for the international credibility and good standing of the United States for us not to do so.

During these 10 Days of Repentance, Jews are called upon to look within themselves and judge harshly where we are flawed as Mr. Romney seems to be. The tragedy is his case is that he has deep religious faith and has been personally generous to many near him, but his open-heartedness does not extend beyond his narrow religious, social and economic circles, nor does it translate into a political philosophy that can help the most people with the least.

Having said this, we need to be careful as we judge him, for none of us is immune to the failures of character that afflict him. If we are honest with ourselves, our flaws are likely significant as well.

The following statements are apt relative to Mr. Romney and important as we gauge who is most fit for our national political leadership:

“To blame the poor for subsisting on welfare has no justice unless we are also willing to judge every rich member of society by how productive he or she is. Taken individual by individual, it is likely that there’s more idleness and abuse of government favors among the economically privileged than among the ranks of the disadvantaged.” (Norman Mailer, 1923-2007)

“Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” (James Baldwin, 1924-1987)

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929-1968)

“A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good but for neglecting his neighbor’s.” (British Archbishop Richard Whately, 1787-1863)

“It is difficult to get a person to understand something when his salary [i.e. income] depends upon his not understanding it.” (Upton Sinclair, 1878-1968)

“The way to overcome the angry person is with gentleness, the evil person with goodness, the miser with generosity, and the liar with truth.” (Indian Proverb)

“The three are really one, for when justice is done, truth prevails and peace is established.” (Talmud Yerushalmi, Taanit 4:2, circa 450 C.E.)

My hopes for each of you and your dear ones:

G’mar chatimah tovah v’t’chateivu b’sefer chayim, l’shanah tovah u-m’tukah, b’ri-ut, asiyah, tikun, uv’chol maaglei chayeinu ha-ishi, hamishpachti, hamiktzo-i, v’hatzibori.

May you be sealed for goodness and written in the book of life for a good and sweet New Year, for health, activism, and restoration in all spheres of our lives, the personal, familial, professional, and public.

A Prayer As We Enter the High Holydays

14 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in Health and Well-Being, Holidays, Inuyim - Prayer reflections and ruminations, Musings about God/Faith/Religious life, Quote of the Day

≈ 1 Comment

This prayer was written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, (aka The Alter Rebbe), author of The Tanya:

“Dear God – You commanded us that we should ‘know today, and put it back into our hearts, that You are God – in Heaven above and Earth below – there is nothing else,’ and I’m asking You to help me, to keep my mind really clear, that I might see Your workings in the universe, to feel that You are the life that is invigorating me in this very moment.”

(Cited in A Hidden Light: Stories and Teachings of Early HaBaD and Bratzlav Hasidism, by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Netanel Miles-Yepez, with a forward by Susannah Heschel, p. 102)

Prayer for the Victims of September 11 Attacks

10 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in American Politics and Life, Inuyim - Prayer reflections and ruminations, Quote of the Day

≈ 1 Comment

I first posted this prayer on the 10th Anniversary of September 11 attack, one year ago.

Eternal God, / Source and Creator of Life; / From the depths we have called to you / and we call to you again for courage, strength and wisdom on this anniversary of our nation’s tragedy.

Grant us courage to confront our enemies. / Comfort those who stand alone without spouse, parent, brother, sister, or friend. / Open our hearts to them and to the children orphaned ten years ago today. / Enable us to love more deeply all children who suffer. / Accept with mercy our prayers of healing on behalf of the families of the victims / and on behalf of the first responders who became ill at Ground Zero.

Despite the horror and tragedy of 9/11, / our country remains a shelter of peace, / a symbol of freedom, / a beacon light of compassion and justice / to the downtrodden and oppressed of the world.

Strengthen the hands of our people to defend this country / and our common values of freedom and justice. / Inspire our leaders and diplomats / to act wisely and to pursue peace everywhere in the world.

May we teach our children to learn and to think, / To consider and to reason, / To be courageous in thought and in deed, / And to nurture hearts of wisdom / That they may do battle against fear, hatred and bigotry / Using weapons of the spirit and loving hearts.

We offer our prayers / on behalf of our country and government, our President and judiciary, / our officials and institutions, our soldiers and citizens, / upon all who faithfully toil for the good of our country, to preserve democracy in our land, / to advocate for civility between adversaries, and to treat every human being / as infinitely worthy and dignified / by virtue of being created / b’Tzelem Elohim, in the Divine image.

Bestow upon us all the blessings of peace, / and may we live to see the day / when swords will be converted into plowshares / and nations will not learn war anymore. / Amen!

By Rabbi John L. Rosove, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

“God’s Seal is Truth” – Thoughts On Our Politics Today

03 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in American Politics and Life, Ethics, Quote of the Day

≈ 3 Comments

I have a friend who is convinced that President Obama and the Democratic Party are undermining the United States of America and that the President has “thrown Israel under the bus.” He believes that any statement is permissible in pursuit of victory by the Republican Party in November. He has no problem with the lies and distortions of the truth by the RNC, Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan, and the Super-Pacs that are supporting the Republican ticket. He justifies their political lies and distortions by saying that the Democrats do it too.

In fairness to truth, the Republican Party has thrown truth under the bus in a way that I have not seen in my life-time. The Democrats admittedly choose facts, skim the truth and mislead as well, but objective fact-checkers place the greatest sin of political fabrication upon the Republicans over the Democrats by factor of 3 to 1.

In this pre-High Holiday season when t’shuvah (repentance) is the principle occupation of the Jewish community, this wanton disrespect for truth is a major obstacle to true repentance and is contrary to every ethical principle Jewish tradition cherishes.

Far too many Americans dismiss objective truth when it runs counter to their passions, opinions, prejudices, and self-interests, and they believe whatever the most virulent voices are preaching.

Compare and contrast public opinion in Canada vs. the United States on the question of whether Global Warming is a scientific fact. According to a 2012 Angus Reid Public Opinion survey, 58% of Canadians believe that Global Warming is a scientific “fact” as compared with 42% of Americans. In a September 2011 Stanford University poll in conjunction with Ipsos and Reuters News, 91% of all Democrats consider Global Warming a fact as opposed to 66% of all Republicans.

Why the differences between our two countries and between the two American political parties? The surveys show that there are significant differences depending upon region and education. Those in urban areas with higher education accept the science of Global Warming as a fact far more than those living in rural areas with less education.

And there is one more factor to consider – who watches “Fox News.”

Canada does not license “Fox News” to be broadcast in that country because it does not consider it news. Rather, it considers it opinion and the licensing board seriously questioned “Fox News” journalistic integrity. One can watch “Fox News” in Canada, but it has to come through an American feed.

Republicans watch “Fox News” far more than do Democrats, and one of Fox’s pet positions is to promote skepticism about the science of Global Warming despite a very large consensus in the scientific community that affirms Global Warming as a scientific fact.

How can one explain the positions taken by another friend who told me that Obama is anti-Israel, a socialist, that the Affordable Care Act is a government take-over of the health care industry, and that global warming has not been proven. I asked her where she got her information, and she said “Fox News.”

Rashi said “God’s seal is truth” (comment on Sanhedrin 94b). Truth has all kinds of meanings, but with regards to continually seeking objectivity in news and reporting, the journalistic profession holds to a high standard of fact-checking and objectivity.

As we move through this next week when the Democrats meet to nominate President Obama and Vice President Biden at their convention in Charlotte, consider these words of wisdom on the pitfalls and importance of truth-telling for individuals and for us as a nation:

“We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.” (President John F. Kennedy)

“Fear distorts truth, not by exaggerating the ills of the world…but by underestimating our ability to deal with them…while love seeks truth, fear seeks safety.” (The Reverend William Sloane Coffin)

“When money speaks, the truth keeps silent.” (Russian proverb)

“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” (George Orwell)

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

On Nature, Beauty, and Gratitude – Rebbe Nachman of Bratzlav and the Psalms

20 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in Art, Beauty in Nature, Health and Well-Being, Inuyim - Prayer reflections and ruminations, Musings about God/Faith/Religious life, Poetry, Quote of the Day

≈ Leave a comment

This link will take you to an inspirational 11-minute TED talk and presentation by Louie Schwartzberg, photographer and film-maker, that is well worth watching:

http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude.html

Rebbe Nachman of Bratzlav, one of Judaism’s greatest tzadikim, put it this way:

“How wonderful it would be if we were worthy of hearing the song of the grass; every blade of grass sings a pure song to God, expecting nothing in return. It is wonderful to hear its song and to worship God in its midst.” (Cited in A Hidden Light: Stories and Teachings of Early HaBad and Bratzlav Hasidism, by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Netanel Miles-Yepez, p. 235).

And never to be outdone, we read in Psalms (136):

Hodu LAdonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo… / L’Oseh niflaot g’dolot l’vado, ki l’olam chasdo. / L’Oseh hashamayim bitvunah, ki l’olam chasdo./ L’Roka ha-aretz al hamayim, ki l’olam chasdo. / L’Oseh orim g’dolim, ki l’olam hasdo…

“Give thanks to God, for God’s love is eternal… / Who made great wonders, for God’s love is eternal. / Who made the heavens with wisdom, for God’s love is eternal. / Who spread the earth over the waters, for God’s love is eternal. / Who made the great lights, for God’s love is eternal…”

Shabbat shalom!

It is Forbidden to Despair

24 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by rabbijohnrosove in American Politics and Life, Health and Well-Being, Musings about God/Faith/Religious life, Quote of the Day

≈ Leave a comment

My friend Marty Kaplan writes frequently for the Los Angeles Jewish Journal and Huffington Post on media, politics and public policy – and his articles often shine a bright light on ill-fated trends, such as money in politics and its impact on our political system, democracy and the world. The most recent article he titled “The End is Nigh. Seriously” which he published in both The Jewish Journal and Huffington Post – http://www.jewishjournal.com/marty_kaplan/article/opinion_the_end_is_nigh_seriously_20120618/ – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marty-kaplan/the-end-is-night-seriousl_b_1606442.html

In response, I wrote to Marty the following:

“I too deal with the dark underbelly of life at the micro level, mostly regarding sadness in people’s lives, as you do on the macro level. My question to you is this: How do you get up in the morning? I have the same question frequently. For me, what keeps me hopeful and balanced are my wife, children, the spirituality that comes through our religious texts, and good people I love like you. What is it for you?”

He responded this way (I share it with his permission):

One of the comments on the Moyers interview [Marty was interviewed at length recently by Bill Moyers on his public television show – see http://billmoyers.com/segment/marty-kaplan-on-big-moneys-effect-on-big-media/%5D that I got most frequently was: “How can you understand all these terrible true things, and still keep smiling?”’

I suppose Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s injunction against despair should be enough to keep me going, but it’s not. My comforts are like yours: my kids, friends, radical amazement*. It’s not the fate of the world that darkens me; it’s the brokenness of the human condition.

Sometimes I try to take refuge in the Buddha’s insight: “Life is suffering.” But I can’t quite achieve the non-attachment — the renunciation of desire — that that kind of enlightenment requires.

All of which brings the absurdism of Samuel Beckett to mind: “You must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.” That’s me, in 11 words.

I wrote back:

“The exact quote from Rebbe Nachmen is Lo tit’ya-esh – Assur l’hit’ya-esh – ‘It is forbidden to despair. He also said, ‘Remember: Things can go from the very worst to the very best…in just the blink of an eye.’”

It is told that Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, among the 20^th century’s greatest religious thinkers and teachers, once entered his class of rabbinic students at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York and very excitedly proclaimed – “I saw a miracle this morning! I saw a miracle this morning!”

“Rabbi,” his students asked, “What was the miracle?”

“The sun came up!”

Perhaps overcoming despair each day is as simple as this – that beyond our stupidity, cruelty and insensitivity there is still enough wonder in every moment to lift the heart.

Marty referred to “radical amazement” in his response to me. Rabbi Heschel wrote about this at some length, as follows:

Wonder or radical amazement is the chief characteristic of the religious person’s attitude toward history and nature…Such a one knows that there are laws that regulate the course of natural processes; [and] is aware of the regularity and pattern of things. However, such knowledge fails to mitigate one’s sense of perpetual surprise at the fact that there are facts at all. Looking at the world he would say, “This is the Lord’s doing, it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalms 118:23).

Radical amazement has a wider scope than any other act of humankind. While any act of perception or cognition has as its object a selected segment of reality, radical amazement refers to all of reality; not only to what we see, but also to the very act of seeing as well as to our own selves, to the selves that see and are amazed at their ability to see.

The grandeur or mystery of being is not a particular puzzle to the mind, as, for example, the cause of volcanic eruptions. We do not have to go to the end of reasoning to encounter it. Grandeur or mystery is something with which we are confronted everywhere and at all times. Even the very act of thinking baffles our thinking, just as every intelligible fact is, by virtue of its being a fact, drunk with baffling aloofness. Does not mystery reign within reasoning, within perception, within explanation? What formula could explain and solve the enigma of the very fact of thinking?

Rabbi John Rosove's Blog

Category Archives: Quote of the Day

The Measure of Our Character – Reflections on Shabbat T’shuvah

A Prayer As We Enter the High Holydays

Prayer for the Victims of September 11 Attacks

“God’s Seal is Truth” – Thoughts On Our Politics Today

On Nature, Beauty, and Gratitude – Rebbe Nachman of Bratzlav and the Psalms

It is Forbidden to Despair