Presidential Inauguration

Much of the country was fixated this week on the Presidential Inauguration. Regardless of anyone's political leanings, this event is important and something to be grateful for. Witnessing the peaceful transfer of power is a privilege that much of the world does not have, and we should not take that for granted. As President Trump takes office for another four years, we offer our steadfast prayers that he and his administration successfully bring peace and prosperity to America and the world. As Jewish Americans, we are particularly concerned about the plight of the hostages who were abducted in Israel and are hopeful that the new administration will continue its advocacy and efforts in bringing all the remaining hostages home in a way that does not jeopardize the security interests of Israel. Rabbi Ari Berman, the President of Yeshiva University, delivered eloquent remarks as an invocation at the Presidential Inauguration. He said, "Prophet Jeremiah walked the streets of Jerusalem and blessed its inhabitants with the words: 'Blessed is the one who trusts in G-d.' Thousands of years later, this great nation which adopted these words as its motto: 'In G-d we trust,' stands at a moment of historic opportunity. Our merciful Father, help us rise to meet this moment. Bless President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance with the strength and courage to choose the right and good. Unite us around our foundational biblical values of life and liberty, service and sacrifice, and especially of faith and morality. He added: "Guide our schools and college campuses, which have been experiencing such unrest, to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom, and truth with virtue." Rabbi Berman also prayed for the wellbeing and return of the hostages who are being held by Hamas: "Hear the cry of the hostages, both American and Israeli, whose pain our President so acutely feels. We are so thankful for the three young women who yesterday returned home. And pray that the next four years bring peace to Israel and throughout the Middle East." As much as there is optimism with the incoming administration, a passage from the liturgy on the High Holidays comes to mind now. The passage of “הממליך מלכים ולו המלובה.” This is translated as "He who anoints Kings but retains the Kingdom." G-d empowers specific individuals to become Kings, Presidents, and Prime Ministers, but ultimately, He is the one who raises the fallen and humbles the mighty. Presidents come and go every few years, and our ultimate allegiance is to the Eternal One, who appoints mere mortals to a few fleeting moments of power in this temporary world. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch