On this week of the celebration of the establishment of our great Republic, the July 4th holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to point out examples of the impact the Torah had on our founding fathers.
Among the early designs for the Great Seal of the United States were some that included Moses and the Israelites. Benjamin Franklin’s proposal is preserved in a note in his own handwriting: ” Moses standing on the Shore, and extending His hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharaoh who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on His Head and a Sword in His Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reaching to Moses, to express that He acts by the command of the Deity. Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.”
Thomas Jefferson also suggested allegorical scenes. For the front of the seal: children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.”
When James Madison was composing the Bill of Rights, he kept a copy of the Hebrew Bible at his side as a source of inspiration and guidance.
I pray all of us have a happy and safe 4th of July celebration.
Speak Your Mind