May 17th 2008, 00:00

In 1654, the first Jews arrived from Brazil to the shores of what was to
become the United States. Ever since then, we have interwoven our religion,
culture, beliefs, and practices into the fabric of American life in more
ways than can be counted. Where our Judaism and Americanism intersect we
feel enormous pride. The fact that the United States and Israel have such
strong diplomatic relations is a testament to our stature in this country
and the common bonds of freedom, liberty, and democracy that we share.

This week's Torah portion contains one such intersection. Leviticus 25:10
states: "you shall proclaim release throughout the land for all its
inhabitants." This comes on the heels of an injunction to mark the jubilee
year by giving one's land a Sabbath rest of one year to regenerate itself.
If those words sound familiar it is because they are engraved on one of the
most important and cherished symbols of America, the Liberty Bell. However,
they are not translated correctly. "Proclaim liberty throughout the land"
is what is engraved on the Liberty Bell (along with the biblical reference),
but the notion of civil rights is certainly not what the Torah had in mind,
at least not in a direct or literal way.

For the Torah, the jubilee year was a time to basically start over. All
slaves were to be released, all borrowed items were to be returned to their
original owner, all debts were to be forgiven, and the land was to be given
a Sabbath. The word "liberty" as we understand it in the context of living
in a democracy does not appear in the Torah, which of course, did not know
from our form of government.

We Jews, especially we modern Jews, see the Torah as an eitz chayim, a Tree
of Life, or living, ever-expanding document. We look to history and
tradition for guidance but not governance. We use our text not to restrict
or confine us but as a framework around which to build and shape our lives.
Our tradition is to view our ancient texts in the context of modern times.
And so in that context, there is nothing wrong with extrapolating the
biblical text from this week's Torah portion as an inspiration for the
modern ideas of freedom, democracy, and liberty.

In that same vein, I would argue that we should interpret our American
Constitution and laws so as to expand rights and to correct the injustices
of the past. If we truly believe in liberty and justice for all, then we
have to not just say it but live it and apply it. Thus I applaud
yesterday's decision by the California Supreme Court that will pave the way
for same-sex marriages. For me, it is simply an issue of civil rights, and
to discriminate and say that the Constitution does not apply to them is the
same as the Constitution not applying to women, racial minorities, or us
Jews. Fortunately, we have corrected many of the injustices of the past
(giving women the right to vote and allowing interracial and inter-religious
couples the right to marry), and this is yet another step forward towards
what I believe is the American ideal of freedom. I can hear now the sound
of that Liberty Bell proclaiming that liberty has finally been proclaimed,
at least here in California, and I hope one day throughout the land.

Tonight, our Kol Tikvah choir will participate in our Shabbat
service. Tomorrow, Torah Study and Shabbat morning services as usual.
Tomorrow night, join us for a very special concert by well-known recording
artist Cantor Wally (from Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles). Proceeds from
the concert support our youth groups and will provide needed funds to send
our kids to the national youth conference later this year. Mazal tov again
to Marilyn Roberts who will be honored on Sunday at the Woman of the Year
luncheon. Mazal tov also to all our graduates who will be celebrating their
accomplishments over the next few weeks. Have a great weekend.