On Kings and Rabbis

On Kings and Rabbis

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting King Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the Nigerian Hebrew king on his visit to Southern California. The King was attended by three men who represented the local Igbo Hebrew community, where approximately 30 million Africans in Eastern Nigeria live. Arranged by the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, we met at the Skirball Cultural Center for a presentation between our communities. We shared a few moments learning about each other's roles and functions. We learned from the King about his mission to spread the knowledge of his people and to share goodwill among his spiritual brethren. And, after speaking about the profound responsibility of leading such a large population, all who claim Hebrew descent from the line of Jacob’s 7th son Gad, the King took a bite of his lunch. Who said humility is best served in a sandwich?

Look up the King’s name and you’ll learn about the rich heritage of the Igbo community. They are not Jews, certainly not according to rabbinic definitions. When asked about the religious identity of his people, the King replied that his people practice all manners of religious expression, but the core religion of the community is most closely associated with Catholicism. They do practice similar forms of Judaism to what we see at VBS. They observe some form of Kashrut, they observe some practices of Shabbat, and they certainly support the land and people of Israel.

But there were no lines to be drawn between us that afternoon. The King’s message and our encounter was one of fraternal bonding. We were sharing the simple truth that each of us is bound to the other. The King reminded us, that if we are cut, our blood is the same color. When we speak of love, loyalty, dignity, respect, they are values that share that same meaning. There are no differences between us and them. And when the small, but mighty Jewish people fulfills its role to be a light among the nations of the world, 30 million friends to shine their light too is something we must celebrate.

Still, our tradition cultivates a healthy ambivalence toward kings and prophets. We read the cautionary words in the books of Deuteronomy and Samuel which describe the consequences for appointing a king for the Jewish nation. The Talmud and later rabbinic writings describe the proper decorum and distance one should keep from authority. The famous line on Fiddler on the Roof linger, “The Tsar should live and be well... far away from here!” Amidst this concern for hierarchical authority, the Jewish people long for leadership and constantly strive and struggle with individuals and factions which envision a more perfect nation of those seeking presence with the One God of All, of Judaism.

Sitting with a King brings all these thoughts to mind. How was this king chosen, and how do his people see themselves as part of the Jewish people today? After our lunch, the King toured the Noah’s Ark exhibit at the Skirball Center. I imagine that watching children young and old take delight in the great story of all humanity working together, this one man and the millions of people he represents with benevolence and wisdom can bring our people a little closer together.