Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea
The concept of democracy
RationalThought110:
I read the following in an archived JTF article:
"One of the Torah commandments is: "You shall not follow a multitude to do evil." (Exodus 23:2)"
"But even if we were to adopt the very un-Jewish concept of "democracy," Rubin's argument is absurd."
This last part was in reference to Irv Rubin's declaration that all Jews must support Ariel Sharon.
So since "democracy" is an un-Jewish concept, what type of government fits Judaism?
newman:
That one needs a Rabbi, but I think a system of 'Judges' like Samson and Deborah would be good. At least you get the most outstanding of each generation then.
kahaneloyalist:
That is a Makhloket between the Ibn Ezra, and the Abarbanel on side, who hold that a weak Sanhedrin that appoints dictators as needed, like in the time of the Shoftim.
The Rambam and Sefer HaChinuch hold that a Malkhut(Kingship) that rules with the Sanhedrin with specific powers given to each is the correct system.
Mind you this is on the national level local government is Democratic
newman:
--- Quote from: kahaneloyalist on August 02, 2007, 09:51:48 AM ---That is a Makhloket between the Ibn Ezra, and the Abarbanel on side, who hold that a weak Sanhedrin that appoints dictators as needed, like in the time of the Shoftim.
The Rambam and Sefer HaChinuch hold that a Malkhut(Kingship) that rules with the Sanhedrin with specific powers given to each is the correct system.
Mind you this is on the national level local government is Democratic
--- End quote ---
What do they do if the dictator goes out of control?
Didn't G_d counsel against having Kings some time after the book of Judges?
kahaneloyalist:
The dictator would be deposed under such circumstances, and no Hashem was against having a King in order to be like the other nations, when done for the correct reasons, Malchut is a Mitzvah
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