Judaism Teaches Not to Abandon Mitzvot Due to Leaders' Flaws
The article draws a lesson from Jewish tradition, particularly the stories of Elkanah and the Sages of the Second Temple period, emphasizing that religious duties should not be abandoned due to the shortcomings of those in charge. It argues that even when leaders are perceived as not strictly observing commandments, the correct response is not to forgo the mitzvah, but to strive for its improvement and participate in "God's help with heroes."
The text recounts Elkanah's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, as described in the Haftarah read on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The Sages, including the commentator Abarbanel, explain that Elkanah continued his pilgrimage despite knowing about the corrupt priests Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas serving at the Tabernacle. Elkanah's righteousness, the article states, led him to prioritize the service of God over the failings of the officials.
Similarly, during the Second Temple period, some High Priests were reportedly unlearned, acquired their positions through bribery, and some even spoke Aramaic as their mother tongue. Despite these perceived flaws, the Sages did not abandon the Temple service. Instead, they worked to ensure it was performed correctly, learning from Elkanah's example that a valuable mitzvah should not be forsaken because of the conduct of those leading the system.
The article applies this principle to contemporary times, specifically to the mitzvah of "helping Israel from the hand of the enemy that attacks them," which the prophetess Deborah called "God's help with heroes." It addresses those who refrain from military service, claiming that military leaders do not strictly observe commandments. The author contends that, just as Elkanah and the Sages did not abandon their religious duties, modern Jews should not abandon the mitzvah of defending Israel due to the perceived failings of military leadership. The article cites the example of Benaiah ben Jehoiada, who fought enemies of God even when it meant becoming ritually impure, demonstrating that national defense can supersede certain religious restrictions when necessary.
The core message is that if there are aspects within the system that require correction, the approach should mirror that of the Sages of the Second Temple: not to abandon the service, but to strive for its improvement and ensure its proper execution. This, the article concludes, is the lesson from Elkanah and remains relevant for today.
