I Love America - Religious Freedom & SCOTUS

I really love July 4.  Since my birthday is July 3, America's Independence Day has always added fireworks and festivity to my celebration.  Beyond my personal connection, July 4 is a great day for Jews.  America has been, without question, the greatest Diaspora country in Jewish history. While we say "Ki mi'Tzion teitzei Torah - Torah goes forth from Zion," so much relating to Jewish life today (including support for Israel) is directly linked to America. 

On this July 4th, I find myself thinking about America and religious freedom.  So much of the American Jewish experience is directly linked to our freedom of religion as well as the separation of church and state.  Liberals and conservatives may interpret these ideas differently, but all can agree that these principles are at the core of America's impact on Jewish life.  The issue is especially relevant in light of some recent headlines relating to religious freedom as well as the US Supreme Court's decision affirming same sex marriage as a legal right. 

A few months ago, there was a lot of discussion about Indiana's religious freedom law.  I can appreciate the arguments of both sides.  At the same time, I only wish there could be more genuine respect for both sides.  Why can't we both respect people's religious views AND those who make choices that go against some people's religious views?  Maureen Mullarkey, an artist and writer, captures this struggle in her search for a wedding ring.  Her desire for the Biblical verse containing Ruth's declaration of commitment ("Where you go, I go...) on her wedding ring came up against the refusal of a Chasidic jeweler to engrave that verse on a non-Jew's wedding ring since the verse is about commitment to Judaism. 

Now you can say the jeweler was being silly.  Nevertheless, the article presents the issue in context.  On the one hand, there is freedom.  On the other, there are strongly held religious beliefs.  Who's to say which is more important?  The Constitution, the courts, our consciences?

That brings me to the recent SCOTUS decision.  I thought that the Orthodox Union issued a pretty fair statement.  Orthodox Judaism is anchored in Halakhah, which has very straightforward things to say about marriage as well as homosexual relations.  Nevertheless, we must deal with reality and respect every person and his/her choices.  It's a challenge.

One Modern Orthodox reaction included the following: "The Torah tells us that gay marriage is wrong; how can we disagree?  Our unconditional love for our gay friends and family cannot translate into automatic agreement with their religious and political beliefs." 

I find myself thinking more about how to respond to people.  Rabbi Marc Angel addresses  how the Supreme Court decision will add another dimension to the Jewish family dynamic.  It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has a place in the Jewish community.  As the world changes, that challenge grows. 

Navigating between religious obligations, religious freedom, and personal choices is not easy.  I think the American Jewish experience teaches us that we are up to the challenge.  Especially in the Modern Orthodox community (even though I prefer Just Judaism), we confront the world the way it is.  As it changes, we will, please God, find a way to meaningfully and properly respond. 

God bless America!