R' Wein on Jewish Democracy

Having survived the Knesset elections this week with all of the
uncertainty that all elections provide for the so-called winners and
losers, perhaps it is time to take a cursory look at the democratic
process of elections from a perspective of Jewish history. At first
glance Judaism does not seem to favor the electoral process for
choosing its leaders. Moshe was chosen by God to lead Israel, not by
any sort of popular vote. The priesthood ? the status of being kohanim
was reserved for Aharon and his descendants, also by Godly fiat.
Yehoshua was appointed by Moshe, again under God?s instruction, to
succeed him as the leader of the people. The Judges however, were
self-appointed but some of them such as Yiftach, Gideon, Avimelech and
even Shimshon were popularly confirmed because of their exploits in
defending Israel against its enemies.

[...]

It was in the field of Torah education that democratic ideas and
ideals took hold. A woodchopper such as Hillel could become the nassi
? the head of the yeshiva and the Sanhedrin. Halachic decisions were
made by majority vote. Raban Gamliel was temporarily deposed from the
office of nassi ? impeached if you will ? because of his undemocratic
behavior towards other scholars. Rabi Elazar ben Azarya opened the
study hall to the attendance of all and not just the elite or the
aristocrats. The heads of the main yeshivot of Babylonia, during the
period of the composition and editing of the Talmud, were chosen by
popular opinion amongst the students and the other scholars. The
yeshivot of France during the time of Rashi were noted for their
openness and tolerance of differing views and styles.

Full article at
http://rabbiwein.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2020

Yisroel "Godwrestler Warriorson" Markov - Boston, MA Member
www.reason.com -- for unbiased analysis of the world DNRC
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