Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the unusual origin of the part of the Temple called “Shushan Habitat—Shushan the capital.”
There is a dispute with regard to this matter between Rav Ḥisda and Rav Yitzḥak bar Avdimi. (Reason A) One said that Shushan was depicted so that those who passed through the gate would know from where it was that they had come back to Jerusalem. The Jews returned once Persia had conquered Babylonia. (Reason B) And one said that it was depicted so that the fear of the Persian Empire would be upon them.
Rashi explains for Reason A: So they should show gratitude to the Persian kingdom. And for Reason B: So they should be appropriately humbled and not seek to rebel.
Both of Rashi’s reasons are social and political. However, it is notable that Rabbenu Gershom explains it from a more spiritual perspective. For Reason A: So they should acknowledge the miracles that God bestowed upon them through the liberation via the Persian kingdom. And for Reason B: So they should be appropriately humbled and recognize their prior servitude. Maharsha adds, similar to the story in the Haggadah; starting with the slavery to have gratitude.
Why does Rashi not choose the “frumer” option? Is it not superior to understand the process from a spiritual standpoint? The truth is, the question is really more on Rabbenu Gershom, because Rashi is supported by the next Gemara, which advises: “The fear of kingship should always be upon you, even when the king does not deserve it.” That is to say, it is always important to show reverence for leadership, even despots. They might indeed not deserve it, but their office deserves it. This is clearly synonymous with Rashi’s political peshat.
This is a concept that is more difficult for us modern people to appreciate, as our society is mistrustful of authoritarian leaders and believes in the value of challenging the government instead of compliance and obedience. This is understandable because, in the ancient world, every king still had to answer to God in a practical sense, with the prophets keeping them in check—be it Moshe to Pharaoh, Shmuel to Shaul, Nosson to Dovid, or Eliyahu to Yeravam. Nevertheless, within balance and reason, we should have deference to leadership, which is not necessarily a contradiction to respectful dissent within the cultural norms. (Real peaceful protest, not the fake hypocritical propaganda fed to us by mainstream media when the protests fit the agenda of chaos).
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Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com