It's a Bird; It's a Plane...It's a Kohein!

Who is your favorite superhero?

      

(The Rabbi belongs in the mix.  Keep reading.)

Why do we love superheroes?  They represent how a single person has the capacity to make the world a better place if they put their distinct powers to good use.  We are drawn to the heroic – whether in the comics or in reality - since, deep down, we each want to make that kind of difference.

It’s natural to feel this way.

A 2017 study from Kyoto University in Japan found humans are drawn to heroes from early stages of development.  In a series of experiments, infants as young as six months were shown short animations in which one figure chased and bumped into a second.  Meanwhile, a third figure watched from afar.  In one version, the third figure steps in and prevents the collision, and in the other, it runs away without intervening.  After watching the clips, the infants were presented with replicas of the intervening and non-intervening third figures, and they consistently preferred the one who saved the day.

These findings suggest that our sense of justice - and likewise, adoration for heroes - is innate and explains why kids and adults alike have a love affair with superhero stories in popular culture. 

It is very Jewish to be drawn to superheroes.  It is very Jewish to draw superheroes.

Many superheroes were created by Jews with Eastern European backgrounds.  Jewish comics creators include Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel (Superman); Bob Kane and Bill Finger (Batman); Jack Kirby (Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk, the X-Men); Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (Captain America); and Stan Lee (who helped create Spider-Man and a whole bunch of others).

Danny Fingeroth, author of Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics and the Creation of the Superhero, suggests this is not a coincidence.  He writes that the Jewish heritage of the superhero creators influenced the first generation of superheroes and the worlds in which they lived.  Their experience as immigrants or first generation Americans prompted them to create characters who, although different from the rest of society, possessed the abilities to right wrongs, rescue those in distress, and save the day. 

Judaism recognizes the power of superheroes to inspire ordinary people to greatness.  Generally, the Torah’s heroes are of the spiritual variety.  Like the Kohein (priest).

In one word, Parshat Emor commands the people to honor the Kohein and relate to him with an air of respect and admiration, while also providing everyone with a role model to inspire each of us to aspire to become our best selves.

“V’kidashto – You must treat the Kohein as holy.” (Vayikra 21:8)

This verse is the source of a mitzvah to venerate the Kohein.  The Kohein is called first to the Torah and is given priority treatment in a variety of ritual ways.  This verse also obligates special treatment for the Kohein, who may not engage in menial activities that are “beneath him.”  At the same time, the Kohein has to properly step into his role.  He deserves respect only when clothed in the special priestly garb and projects a dignified, majestic, and noble appearance.  The Prophets note that a true Kohein is as impressive in behavior and comportment as an angel of God.  

The Kohein is, quite literally, awesome.  He may not be stronger than a locomotive, but when the Kohein dresses and acts the part of a spiritual superhero, he is then viewed as such by the people, commanding the respect of the average person and serving as a role model for all.

Whether it is Superman, a Kohein, a rabbi, a teacher, a doctor, a first responder, a parent or a stranger, heroes represent the best of what we aspire to be.  Having their image in front of us can give expression to the latent ability inside each of us to excel and change the world.

The Kohein is a spiritual superhero.  But we all can put on the cape.  Maimonides (Shemitah v’Yovel 13:11) writes:

Not only the tribe of Levi, but each well-informed thinking person whose spirit moves him to devote himself to the service of the Lord, to know the Lord, and has walked uprightly…indeed divinely consecrated…

The Kohein may be the original spiritual superhero, but each of us has a superhero inside that can emerge if we choose to let it out.

Every day at 7:00 pm, I go outside to join the cheering for our heroic first responders.  It is a nice break from the daily grind.  Why clap?  Can they hear us?  Several have told me they appreciate the overwhelming support from so even if they personally can’t hear it.  One reason I clap is that I find it uplifting to think about ordinary people – doctors, nurses, hospital workers, first responders, and so many others - who are heroically doing what needs to be done.  Each of us can be a hero by performing the task in front of us.  Whether it’s caring for family, running a company, or saving a life, heroes abound.

The Talmud (Sukkah 53a) presents a teaching of Hillel which should inspire the hero in each of us:

אם אני כאן הכל כאן ואם איני כאן מי כאן

If I am here, everyone is here; and if I am not here, who is here? One must consider themselves as the one upon whom it is incumbent to get things done and not rely on others to do so.

We love heroes – comic book, spiritual, and real.  Most importantly, let’s become heroes.  Let’s take on the roles – large and small – that only we can accomplish.


Don’t look up in the sky.  Look in the mirror.  It’s a superhero.