Inspired by the Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center, the Globe invited local clergy to e-mail the texts of inauguration-related sermons and prayers for posting here on the Articles of Faith religion blog.
Sermon by Rabbi Howard A. Berman of Boston Jewish Spirit, a Reform congregation in Boston:
As we share in this special Sabbath Eve Service tonight, we join thousands of other synagogues, churches and mosques in ushering in a national weekend of celebration and affirmation, as we anticipate the historic moment that will unfold this Tuesday – the Inauguration of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States. At this profoundly significant time in the history of our country, people of faith are joining together in voicing our hopes and joys – believing, as we do, in the power of prayer as a transformative force in our lives. Our blessings and intercessions are directed to the God of justice and peace - who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “directs the destinies of men and nations.” But we also voice our benedictions with the understanding that our prayers have the power to inspire and energize our own actions and commitment as well.
In the midst of all of the many meanings and themes of this milestone event for all Americans, we are conscious that it holds very special meaning for us as Jews. The issues that have shaped this election, and have been at the core of Barak Obama’s message: renewal, hope, unity, and a new vision of justice and peace for our country and the world, echo the deepest spiritual ideals, ethical values, and social vision of our Jewish tradition. And the unique meaning of the Obama candidacy and victory also resonates with our own experience as a distinctive community – with a particular historical frame of reference – in the broader, multi-colored, diversely textured fabric of American society… a rich and wonderful diversity that our new President himself embodies and symbolizes.
It is singularly- and even Providentially appropriate- that this occasion coincides with the beginning of the reading of the Book of Exodus in the traditional cycle of weekly Torah lessons in the Jewish Calendar. The epic chronicle of freedom from slavery, and liberation from oppression, that we will hear and study once again in the coming weeks, has been the timeless inspiration for the struggles and principles that have found such dramatic fulfillment in the Obama victory. The fact that both of these civil and liturgical observances also coincide with Martin Luther King Day, is an almost miraculous confluence of transcendent themes and symbols!
And so, it is fitting that we mark this very historic Shabbat as we reflect together on some of the spiritual and moral challenges it places before us – as a nation…as a community…and as individual citizens. And yes… in this particular time and place, our encounter with these issues is indeed a spiritual one…rather than the political analysis that dominates our discourse of government and society. The magnitude of the significance of the election of Barak Obama, clearly affirms the noblest ideals and potential of our American heritage. There are forces, principles and moral challenges at work in our national life- at this crossroad in world history – that truly transcend political realities – and call us to the consciousness of the realm of faith. President Obama has, from the beginning of his candidacy, sought to elevate our national aspiration and discourse – calling us to envision an America that is true to its noblest and most enduring principles. His words have echoed the Biblical cadences and prophetic eloquence of some of our greatest national heroes, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr, as he has challenged our country, and each of us, to be the best that we can be… invoking the “better angels” of our nation and ourselves.
Among the transformations that are unfolding before our eyes is a new spirit of pride and patriotism that we can all share. One of the most tragic and pernicious legacies of the recent past has been the stark polarization of America into the seemingly irreconcilable divisions of “red states’ and “blue states”…a cultural and spiritual clash between “radical liberals” and “right-wing conservatives”, each with a diametrically opposed view and agenda for our country. Part of this dynamic has been the arrogant monopoly on patriotism, claimed by those on one side of this spectrum, with the complacent acquiescence of those on the other. We, as progressive liberals, have been willing to hand over the expression of patriotism to the most exclusionary and restrictive voices in our political life. And one of the most promising changes heralded by this new chapter, with its message of unity and healing, will hopefully be a revival of all of our equal claims to love of flag and country. We can look toward a patriotism that goes beyond the ubiquitous display of lapel pin flags…celebrating an America that is always worthy of our pride…whose just and equitable governance of its citizens, and whose respectful, responsible leadership in the world, can renew our sense of national honor.
Of course there are so many immense challenges that need to be immediately and forcefully confronted if we are to achieve this potential. In the midst of all of the joyful celebration, there are pressing priorities that will require and test all of our new President’s great resources of intellect and strength…
Chief among them of course, is the renewed role of moral leadership that America must once again exert in the tragic conflicts that have torn our world - the timely, responsible and sustainable end of the war in Iraq, and the resolution of the unfinished priorities of the war in Afghanistan. We hope and pray that our new administration will also work with the leaders of Israel and Palestine to bring about an end to the tragic violence that has broken all of our hearts, leading efforts at a just resolution of this intractable conflict... helping both peoples to seek a just and lasting peace that insures their security and respects both of their aspirations…transforming radicalism and terrorism into the creative building of two nations, living side by side in a peaceful future.
Here at home, we look to our new President to skillfully direct the economic recovery of our nation, restoring the hope, confidence and wellbeing of America’s communities, families and working people.
We also trust that the continuing fulfillment of the aspirations and equal opportunities for women in our society will remain a priority on our national agenda. President Obama has already recognized and honored the courageous contributions of his one-time rival, Hillary Clinton, in her own embodiment of this yet unfulfilled promise. But the critical challenges that the Clinton candidacy represented, cannot and must not be considered resolved by even the most prestigious political appointment. This country still needs its first woman president… and we must confidently believe- and work tirelessly to ensure –that the Obama victory will ultimately mean the opening of the doors…the shattering of the ceilings…and the broadening of opportunities for leadership and service for every American.
And finally… the election of America’s first African American president points to the continuing struggle for the most basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of so many other communities in our gloriously diverse nation. The full equality of our gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens, remains one of the last frontiers of the Civil Rights Movement. It is heartening and inspiring that Barak Obama has consistently voiced this priority in his own articulation of his goals. The presence and words of our friend, Bishop Gene Robinson on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at today’s Inaugural festivities is, of course, a dramatic symbol of our new president’s commitment to this challenge.
Now speaking of Bishop Robinson…of course, we have all been troubled and disappointed by the controversy over the Inaugural Prayer. For many of us, no explanations can fully vindicate the invitation extended to evangelical leader Rick Warren to present the singular religious voice that will open Tuesday’s ceremonies… offering a platform for some of the most restrictive, exclusionary positions in American religious life…
…but let’s try to redeem our disappointment by envisioning and framing the symbolism that will be unfolding before our eyes. Warren will be offering his prayer- which by all accounts, will spiritually exclude millions of American citizens – as he stands on the steps of the Capitol – the symbol of national power. Bishop Robinson’s prayer, brilliantly and movingly directed to the “God of many understandings”, will be voiced across the expanse of the Mall, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The magnificent shrine to the sacred memory of the Great Emancipator has always stood facing - and symbolically confronting – the Capitol. From its steps, many prophetic voices have spoken truth to power. Whether in the ringing proclamation of Dr. King’s dream, or in many voices of protest and dissent against injustice, war and discrimination through the years, the American people have always stood at the feet of Abraham Lincoln as they have voiced their aspirations to the deliberations of power under the Capitol dome. As Barak Obama takes his Oath of Office, he will indeed be standing before that dome...the world’s eyes will be on the Capitol…but he – alone- will be looking out in the opposite direction, toward the mystical, marble visage of Mr. Lincoln. The different visions of America represented by the two invocations, and echoed by their respective settings, will be dramatically confronting Barak Obama at that very moment. We can only hope and pray that the sacred words inscribed on the Memorial’s walls will once again echo in his own message to us on that day…and find fulfillment in his new leadership of America:
“…Four score and seven years ago, our Fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…
…With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to understand the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in… to do all which may achieve a just and lasting peace… among ourselves and with all nations!”
Amen!
Postscript - January 20, 2009, 1:00 PM
With the joy and excitement of the Inauguration moment now over, we can be grateful that the spirit of unity and inclusion that our new President stands for, seems to have touched even the heart of Pastor Warren. Despite our worst fears, his invocation was, in fact, remarkably appropriate, and as broad and embracing as it could have possibly been, given his evangelical beliefs. He referred to "Scripture", rather than using the more specific term, "Bible", and quoted the words of the Shema, "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One" as well as the opening phrase of the Koran, "O God who is merciful and compassionate..."
He called for respect for all people, in the midst of disagreements. And most significantly, instead of concluding with the traditional phrase, "We ask this in Jesus' name...", he instead said "I ask this in the name of Jesus", which was personal and fitting, without excluding or disenfranchising those who do not pray in that manner. His further attempt at pluralism, in also using the Hebrew and Arabic versions of Jesus (Yeshua and Issa) certainly reflects his fundamental Christian belief that Jesus is Lord and Savior of all people - including Jews and Muslims... but could also have simply been intended to express a broader view of his own faith. The fact remains that much of Rick Warren's preaching and positions are restrictive and exclusionary, and will continue to be demeaning and offensive to GLBT people, women, and many others - including many other Christians. However, in this instance, his clear attempts at reconciliation can offer us hope that in this new era, some of the divisions in American life will indeed be healed, with greater efforts at dialogue and sensitivity on all sides of the religious and political spectrum.
