Parasha VaYikra -- March 16, 2013

A Call to Leadership

March 17 marks an important anniversary in Jewish history of the 20^th century.  March 17 is the 21rst anniversary of the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The attack killed 29 people and injured 250 others. Among the victims were Israeli diplomats, children, clergy from the church located across the street, and passers-by. The state Supreme Court investigated the incident, but it was not vigorously pursued and no action was taken. Inaction has its consequences. Two years later, on July 18, 1994, the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires was bombed. This time, 87 people were killed and over 100 injured. That attack ranked as one of the deadliest anti-Semitic incidents anywhere in the world since World War ll. Yet, the investigation into who was responsible was marred by incompetence, obfuscation, and outright cover-up. Despite evidence that Iran was directly involved in this act of terrorism, all Argentina's government did was expel Iranian diplomats from the country in 1998. A formal investigation into the attack was never pursued. Last week it was announced that a joint Argentine - Iranian commission would be set up to bring people to justice. With all due respect, that is like Elliot Ness inviting Al Capone to participate in a joint investigation of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

This Shabbat Jews all around the world begin the reading of the Book of Leviticus. In Hebrew it is named "Vayikra" which means, "And He called." G-d calls Moses into the Tabernacle to meet with him. Of course, another religious leader has been called to service this week in our own time. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been called by G-d to lead the Catholic Church. And we wonder, "What would Moses think?" If Moses were to examine Cardinal Bergoglio's record with the Jewish people, I believe he would approve of what he discovered. One place where Moses would surely want to look was Cardinal Bergoglio's response to the above mentioned terrorism that was directed at the Jewish community of Buenos Aires in the early nineties. Reports are that he stood in solidarity with the Jewish community during those dark times. In 2005, Bergoglio was the first public figure to sign a petition for justice in the Jewish Community Center bombing case. He also was one of the signatories on a document called "85 victims, 85 signatures" as part of the bombing's 11th anniversary. In June 2010, he visited the rebuilt Jewish Community Center building to talk with Jewish leaders.  Just this past November the good Father hosted a special memorial for Kristallnacht at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. He wrote an introduction to a book published recently by an Argentinean Rabbi, Sergio Bergman, referring to him as "one of my teachers." In a visit to a Buenos Aires synagogue he said he came to examine his heart, "like a pilgrim, together with you, my elder brothers."

When we look at the Torah this week, we see something curious about the first word of the Book of Leviticus -- VaYikrah. The final letter of the word, the alef, is smaller than the other letters. Our rabbis understood this to teach us that even though Moses was a great leader and was privileged to be called by G-d, he never lost his humility. He never let his exalted position in the community go to his head. By all accounts, the new Pope follows that model of religious leadership. Israel Singer, former head of the World Jewish Congress worked with the Father in a joint Jewish-Catholic program to aid the poor in Buenos Aires. "We went out to the barrios where Jews and Catholics were suffering together," reported Singer. "If everyone sat in chairs with arms, he would sit in the one without. He was always looking to be more modest. He's going to find it hard to wear all these uniforms."

As Singer implies, in order to become an effective Pope, Francis I must overcome his humility to some extent.  To wear all fancy clothing that the Pope wears might indeed be difficult for a man of great humility. To assume all the trappings of power and prestige while maintaining ones humility can be a challenge.  Yet, it is possible. That is why Moses had to be "called" by G-d. That is why we in the clergy are said to have "a calling". The idea of "a calling" implies a certain reluctance to serve, and understanding that we are unworthy of so noble a role as representing G-d in the community.  The story is told of one of Rabbi Israel Salanter's disciples. "Rabbi," he said to his teacher, "I am in serious financial trouble because I do not have a job."

"Why not become a rabbi?" asked Rabbi Israel.

"Rabbi, I am afraid that I might give an incorrect ruling."

"Who then should become a Rabbi?" said Rabbi Israel. "One who is not afraid of ruling incorrectly?"

In other words, someone's got to do the job.  Better a humble person who is not sure of his worthiness than a supremely confident one who feels he was born for the moment.

"Humility," writes Frank Crane, "is the wish to be great and the dread of being called great. It is the wish to help and the dread of thanks. It is the love of service and the distaste of rule. It is trying to be good and blushing when caught at it."  The Pope has been called to lead our Catholic brothers and sisters of the world, just as Moses was called to lead the people of Israel, just as all clergy need to feel called to the service of the divine.  We pray that he leads with wisdom and with humility. May his pontificate further the cause of peace and brotherhood for all humanity.  So may it be for us all.