Rabbis Corner – Feeling Good Edition

Rabbi’s Corner – Feeling Good Edition
Dear Friends,
For obvious reasons July 4th is a sacred day in the American calendar as the day the United States formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. But a less remembered date is June 18th, the day the United States began the War of 1812.

My interest here is not in the war itself, but in the aftermath. Even though the war concluded without a clear cut resolution to the primary causes, the Americans considered themselves victorious and ushered in The Era of Good Feelings. After the war of 1812, the opposition Federalist party essentially dissolved leaving America with the singular Democratic-Republican Party, a term which today seems comical if not utterly inconceivable. To be sure it would be naïve to think that there were no disagreements among the members, but it is notable that such debates were able to be maintained with relative civility for approximately 8-11 years, but one can only appreciate how the lack of partisan infighting could foster national pride and unity.

And therein lies the true dual challenge of any community: how can we express disagreements without creating multiple factions, and how can we be inclusive without accepting potentially harmful ideologies. For the moment, let me suggest that perhaps the emotions may in fact assist in achieving a desired result. It is one matter to disagree – even strongly – and quite another to do so out of enmity, hatred, and rage. Exciting one’s emotions can certainly rally people towards a cause, but perhaps our passions – however justified we may feel – may in fact create an equally passionate reaction from the opposition.

Perhaps if we began our own Era of Good Feelings towards our peers, we too may achieve a period free of bitter discourse. And hopefully we may be able to do so without needing to start a war in the process.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Josh Yuter