WHENEVER AN obviously complex issues arises, we often turn to Jewish sources to understand what the Jewish perspective might be. Life decisions based on the definition of brain death, for example, are important to view though a Jewish prism.
Lately, though, current events trigger the same curiosity.
For example, a couple of months back, Edinson Volquez, a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, was pitching in the World Series. Sadly, his dad had died right before one of his big games. Volquezs wife decided to withhold the sad news, and only share it after the game.
I suppose that is more of a personal emotional issue than an ethical or legal one, but still, I found myself wondering: What would the ancient Jewish sources suggest in such a situation?
This week again. Nothing as sophisticated as medical ethics or a scenario in the vein of a Sophies Choice. But that mix up at the beauty pageant again, it made me think, What would Jewish sources advise in such a situation?
By now everyone has heard the story. Miss Colombia was announced as Miss Universe, only to be publicly deposed a few minutes later when her crowning was declared an error. It seems that Miss Philippines had been judged the true winner.
Setting aside that fact that I think a beauty pageant is not only archaic, ridiculous and demeaning, and setting aside the conspiracy theories that this error was all a PR stunt, what would be the Jewish perspective on the debacle?
What are the issues to be considered?
Public humiliation?
Honesty?
THE INCIDENT reminded me of a Talmudic story, one that most of us are familiar with from the Passover Haggadah.
At the tender age of 18, Rabbi Elazar ascends to be the presidency of the Sanhedrin (roughly the equivalent of the Supreme Court).
The sage Rabbi Gamaliel had enjoyed this prestigious position. But one day an argument broke out between him and Rabbi Joshua. It escalated to the point that Rabbi Gamaliel embarrassed his colleague. The sages felt such treatment was unacceptable; so they suggested replacing Rabbi Gamaliel with Rabbi Elazar.
Rabbi Elazar was unsure as to whether he should accept this position. He consulted with his wife, who her husband should decline. Her reasoning was that Rabbis Gamaliel and Joshua would reconcile, then promptly remove Rabbi Elazar from his new role.
Rabbi Elazar saw wisdom in this, but decided to go ahead and accept the position. It is better to drink from a silver chalice once than never at all, he thought
And so it was.
Rabbi Elazar presided over the Sanhedrin and the study hall. His educational philosophy was diametrically opposed to Rabbi Gamliels elitist approach. Rabbi Elazar opened the doors of the study hall to one and all. Anyone who wanted to study was welcome.
Rabbi Gamaliel, despite being demoted, maintained his presence in the study hall. Sitting in the back row, he watched this new and different approach to scholarship unfold. He imbibed its purpose and even began to doubt himself and his more elitist approach.
Soon, however, Rabbi Elazars wifes intuition came to pass, and Rabbi Gamaliel was re-instated. Rabbi Elazar was not totally removed; he and Rabbi Gamaliel shared the leadership.
WHAT WOULD the Jewish ethical or legal response be to this weeks Miss Universe mix-up? I dont know.
But it did trigger a recollection of this Talmudic episode, when Rabbi Elazar chose a role he felt at the time would be ever so fleeting, as he said: Better to drink from a silver chalice once than never at all.
Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News
