A Jewish Idea- Many Voices Many Ideas

*Democracy rests upon two pillars: one, the principle that all men are equally entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and the other, the conviction that such equal opportunity will most advance civilization. –Louis Brandeis

*The law …must have a principle of growth. - Benjamin Cardozo

     The first two Jewish Supreme Court justices were Louis Brandeis and Benjamin Cardozo. Their touch is still felt in American society. On this eve of July 4, a date that represents a fundamental change in the method of governance for all humanity, we celebrate. Our American nation, comprised of many different voices, will only flourish when the rule of law operates. Disagreement and dissent must be appreciated and honored just as consensus and coherent argumentation.

     Logic must go hand in hand with passion.  Zealous argumentation must be wedded to the analysis of evidence. Only the union of the mind and the heart will yield a functioning judiciary, legislature and society.

     Our nation is a nation of 320 million people. In no way can we expect that all will agree. However, principles of justice must be held aloft as the ultimate to which we aspire.

      As our nation enters a new century, our Supreme Court offers a new understanding of marriage for those who have been deprived of understanding; an interpretation of marriage arising from a hitherto disadvantaged community within our nation and also accepted by ever more Americans. Some may disagree with the result. Change is hard. Growth is difficult. The journey emerges from discussion, a sharing of opinions, debate, personal struggle and internal turmoil. But, violence is not our way. The  integrated use of mind and heart is our American way.

     Let us all celebrate the process and the journey!

   Shalom.

     Rabbi Steve Silberman