The Magic of Unity

Going from subjugation to freedom is like watching a magic trick. We are both awed and baffled. Sometimes we feel blessed by what we have witnessed and sometimes we are perturbed by the spectacle. All the while, we are talking about the magician. Was the magician skillful or deceitful? Was the trick successful or a flop? Can the magician perform another great trick or has he left the stage?

The story of the escape from Egypt engenders such a reaction. After ten captivating plagues and a hurried but dramatic departure from Egypt, the Jews are again confronted by Pharaoh, this time in pursuit with his army. The Israelites, frightened for their lives, cry out to God and verbally assault Moses. They have forgotten the wonders God sent to redeem them. They lament their departure from Egypt.  Bewildered by the mysteries of the Divine, they attack the man on stage. Moses assures the people that the Lord will deliver them and battle for them, again, if only they will suspend disbelief.

The last act of the escape from Egypt is like a magic show with an unruly audience and revolving door on the stage. The magician’s assistant is some 80-years-old. The Divine magician has disappeared from the scene. With teamwork, the Israelites are rescued. Moses lifts his rod above the sea water, God holds back the Egyptians, and Nachshon steps into the Red Sea.

Is Joe Biden the Moses du jour? Is he the magician’s assistant? Biden has no magic of his own to offer. Rather, he offers competent performance, truthful presentation, concerted action and faith in God. We applaud his organizing the vaccination effort and redeeming us from the Corona Virus. We appreciate his designs to expand the economy. We praise his determination to quell racial and social tensions.

Yet, people are fickle as an audience. Our gratitude for the gifts we receive is fleeting. Our complaints about the burdens we bear are full throated. And so, I expect that it won’t be too long before the kvetching begins about the new administration. After all, the Israelites had scarcely left servitude in Egypt before they started to complain.

The country will suffer other challenges. We’ll likely be inclined to exchange appreciation for skepticism. We will doubt our leaders and government. Like wandering Israelites, some will wonder if they were better off before, even if it was in a time of oppression. They might have enjoyed the prior magician and his show.

Such faithlessness won’t serve this nation.  We need to set aside our myopia for an expansive view of the world.  We should have faith that challenges are opportunities to hone our skills and strengthen our resolve. We must honor every person in our country as created in God’s image. We can come together which creates the real magic.

The Israelites laid the blame for their problems at Moses’ feet. The stumbles and blunders of most competent leaders are not just the result of one actor. Leadership may fail because the team loses faith and shirks responsibility.

Biden’s message of unity reminds us that he is neither a showman nor a reality show host. We are not a passive, dubious audience. When power is consolidated in one, we have Pharaoh. When we are unified, we create the magic!  All are equally obligated to serve and to repair the world. We should listen to holy complaining that brings attention to worthy issues. But beware, faithless attacks and damning self-interest will consign us to the wilderness of discomfort and shame.

Unity means that we all participate in restoring this nations’ wellbeing. God will be with us and within us when we take responsibility upon our shoulders. And that creates the magic that will amaze us all.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame