On Parades of Pomp and Grandeur

Moses is considered the paradigm of great leadership in Judaism.  Why? In large part, because of his modesty.  

In Alexandria, Egypt, in the century before the Common Era, a Jewish philosopher, aptly named Philo, wrote a treatise on the life of Moses. In it, Philo wrote these words: “In dress and food and the other sides of life, Moses made no arrogant parade to increase his pomp and grandeur.”

Holding a grand military parade might not be a sign of stellar leadership in Judaism. But, since we happen to be having a military parade this weekend, what do we do when we see one?

In Hungary in the mid-19th Century. Rabbi Solomon Ganzfried wrote a code of Jewish law that includes these words: “When you see a king of any of the nations of the world, you say [a blessing about human glory]... But if you have seen him once, you should not stop your Torah studies to see him again unless he appears later with a greater military parade and a more majestic display than before.”

Two notes of historical context: Rabbi Ganzfield lived during the time of kings, not elected leaders, and was speaking to Yeshiva students for whom Torah study was their daily task.

I appreciate Rabbi Ganzfried’s message on a few accounts. First, he’s clear that we don’t just honor our own leaders but also respect leaders from other nations and places.  Secondly, it recognizes the human interest in celebrity—the red carpet holds a certain appeal. Thirdly, it tells us not to let pageantry and excess take over. It might pique our curiosity, we might indulge in the spectacle, we might pay attention once or twice, but we should make it fleeting.  We should not “stop our studies” —in other words, stop our own lives—because of the majesty of others.

Tomorrow, the spectacle of an “arrogant parade to increase pomp and grandeur” will descend on our city. It may be impossible to ignore, but we should not let it stop our lives.