According to an old joke, when two Jews argue you have at least three opinions. Former British Chief Rabbi recently echoed this joke when he pointed out that Jews have solved many world problems but still have not quite figured out “conflict management.”
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We are a people who argue. We are a people who debate. I cherish this part of our character. But I can’t help feeling a little envy for Catholics as the celebrated Pope Francis arrives in the United States.
Whether one agrees with him or not, one cannot deny that he has spurred a new energy and enthusiasm in the Church. He has gotten people excited and engaged, so much so that the entire city of Philadelphia has to cordon itself off for the few days he is in town.
Alas, neither history nor culture suggest we can expect a Jewish pope anytime soon. Here’s why:
1. In Judaism majority rules: In Jewish tradition, a majority of scholars determines the law. No one individual–even God–can determine what one must do and believe.
The classic example of this belief comes from a story in the Talmud, the handbook of Jewish law. A group of rabbis are debating whether that a certain ritual item is kosher.
Convinced he is right, one rabbi appeals directly to God. God says the item is kosher. The other rabbis answer God by saying, “You’re in Heaven. We’re on earth. We need to figure this out!” It is surely a legend, but an instructive one.
2. Interpretation Matters More Than Doctrine: In Judaism doctrine is secondary to behavior, and the proper behavior has already been determined in Biblical and Talmudic law. The role of contemporary religious leaders is to interpret those laws, and not to mandate new ones.
3. Disagreement is a religious value: Judaism has always seen debate and discussion as a means to discovering truth. The notion of an infallible leaders does not fit in this worldview.
4. Judaism has no sacraments: Catholicism is built around the belief that priests have certain functions no one else can fill. Only a priest can conduct a mass or perform the last rites. In Judaism, rabbis have no distinct privileges. Any educated layperson can perform a wedding, lead a worship service or teach Jewish law.
5. It wouldn’t work: About 120 years ago, a group of Jews in the New York wanted to appoint a Chief Rabbi for America. They paid a great deal of money to bring over a famous rabbi from Europe. They set him up in a big office with the title “Chief Rabbi.”
He immediately began issuing laws and opinions. People got angry. They challenged his views. They stopped going to his synagogue. They said the only reason he was chief rabbi was that somebody painted those words on his office door.
Within six years, he was out of the job. Since then no one has tried to fill it
