Bald Eagle : American Babylon

This is a Bald Eagle. If there is one globally-recognized bird, it is the bald eagle as the national emblem of the United States. The eagle is a shockingly large and stunningly majestic bird, both perched and in flight. This is a complex beast which embodies numerous contradictions. It is a powerful hunter and is also entirely opportunistic and willing to grab prey from other birds - and even people. On the Great Seal of the United States, the eagle is depicted facing towards one talon holding an olive branch, while the other talon grasps 13 arrows. This represents a preference for peace but a willingness to fight as necessary.

In Talmudic times, the descendants of the Babylonian Captivity established leading schools for Jewish study, and global scholarship was largely divided between two main hubs: one in the land of Israel and one in Babylon. The Babylonian Jewish community achieved tremendous heights in a full range of activities. The Exilarch, the hereditary leader of the Jewish community, was a trusted and close confidant of the emperor. The Jewish community wasn’t just tolerated but was affirmatively appreciated for their numerous accomplishments and contributions to the wider society. For two millennia, this was a place of thriving Jewish life.

Again the world’s Jewish community is divided between two principal centers: the sovereign State of Israel and the United States. United States Jews again are living in a - too rare! - historical moment where we are more than merely tolerated, where we are an integral part of every facet of communal life. Like in Babylon, things aren’t perfect, and I won’t minimize real threats to our community, but they by no means outweigh our opportunities in government, education, science, the arts, and commerce. We enjoy free religious expression and opportunities to participate freely and fully in the wider community. So appreciate with me the Bald Eagle, in our modern Babylon, and join me in saying, “Happy birthday, America!”