A Republic, If You Can Keep it
Imagine that moment in history, where the fate of a nation hangs in the balance. The year is 1787. The American Constitutional Convention has just concluded. A woman approaches Benjamin Franklin with a question that echoes through time:
“What have we got—a republic or a monarchy?”
Franklin’s response is sharp, almost prophetic:
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
These words are a challenge, a call to vigilance. They remind us that leadership and power must always be balanced, lest they slip away.
But long before Franklin, the Torah illuminated this wisdom—especially in this week's portion, Tetzaveh.
The Hidden Lesson in Tetzaveh
Tetzaveh is unique. For the first time since his introduction, Moses’ name is absent. The focus shifts to Aaron, the high priest, and his descendants. Why?
Because the Torah teaches us something profound: leadership never rests in the hands of just one individual. God intends power to be distributed, shared, and checked.
The Torah’s Separation of Powers
This principle later found expression in the 18th century through Montesquieu’s idea of the separation of powers, masterfully implemented by James Madison in the U.S. Constitution and explained in the Federalist Papers.
But the true origins of this revolutionary idea? They stretch back to the Torah.
Judaism divided leadership into three roles:
The King ruled politically.
The Priest served in the sanctuary.
The Prophet provided moral guidance.
This was radically different from surrounding nations, where rulers combined political and religious authority—often resulting in war and ultimate destruction.
Why We Need Both Priests and Prophets
Tetzaveh highlights the role of the priesthood. Priests were guardians of sacred rituals, preserving tradition and stability.
Prophets, by contrast, were voices of change, challenging corruption and calling for justice.
Ahad Ha’am, the renowned Zionist thinker, put it best:
“Priests maintain, while prophets transform.”
A society without prophets stagnates. A society without priests loses its roots. We need both.
History’s Warning: Power Corrupts
History shows us the dangers of merging these roles.
The Hasmoneans, heroes of Hanukkah story, began as champions of Jewish freedom but later combined priesthood and monarchy. Corruption followed. Their dynasty crumbled.
They illustrated the truth of Lord Acton’s words:
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
The Torah anticipated this truth. Unchecked power leads to downfall.
The Challenge for Today
We still face the challenge of concentrated power— both in government and our institutions.
We need prophetic voices— activists, artists, and visionaries—who challenge injustice. Yet we also need priestly figures— guardians of tradition and stability.
The tension between them is not a flaw; it is the key to a thriving society.
Will We Keep It?
Franklin’s words—“A republic, if you can keep it”—are more than a political statement. They echo the Torah’s wisdom.
Democracy, morality, and spiritual health depend on balance.
Tetzaveh is not just history. It is an ethical call to action.
The question remains:
Will we keep it?