Rav Shai's Torah on the Grow

“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” So wrote James
Madison in Federalist Paper #47.  

As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s also celebrate that the doctrine of the Separation of Powers is first found in Deuteronomy. There, we see a division of duties among the priests, prophets, and the king. We have different offices in the United States, but like in Deuteronomy, power is diffused.

The midrash offers an amazing description of the king ascending the steps to his throne. On each step, he must recite a limitation that Deuteronomy places on him: “I shall not have so many horses.” “I shall not have so many wives.” Here’s the kicker: “I shall write a copy of the Torah and always have it with me.” That means our kings have even more restrictions than wealthy Israelites who can have unlimited horses and wives. 

Abraham challenged God: Won’t the Judge of all the earth deal justly?  Our kings, too, must deal justly — otherwise, they’re tyrants. What we have in Deuteronomy and our Constitution is interdependence — and that’s worth celebrating!