What if the Torah was the original blueprint for democracy?

On this eye-opening episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dismantle the myth that democracy is a purely modern invention—and reveal its surprising roots in ancient Jewish texts.

In a time when democracy faces challenges around the world, Jonathan and Leora mine the wisdom of Deuteronomy, rabbinic debate, the roles of kings, prophets, and priests, and even the construction of the Sanhedrin, to ask: What does Judaism teach us about governance, dissent, and real communal leadership?

Key episode highlights include:

• Why the Torah presents the king as subject to law, not above it, and how that radical idea reshapes our understanding of power.
• The deep Jewish value of multivocality: robust arguments, multiple truths, and why a room full of loud opinions may actually be the healthiest sign of a community.
• Candid reflections on the fractures facing American and Israeli democracies, and what remains hopeful when governments falter—grassroots power, resilience, and chutzpah.
• A powerful discussion on whether we can still build bridges across political divides, or if polarization is the new norm—even in our own Jewish communities.
• How the process of "writing new Torah" and the real-life stories of Moses, David, and the daughters of Salophchad teach us about adapting and amending our systems for justice.
• Personal, vulnerable moments: When does Jewish identity outweigh civic identity? How do current events force us to question where we're safe, and who truly represents our values?

If you’ve ever wondered how Jewish tradition can light a path through the chaos of modern politics, or if it’s possible to repair democracy using ancient wisdom, this episode is for you.

Episode Overview

• [00:00:00] Introduction and framing: Where democracy and Torah collide
• [00:02:04] Covenant, community, and how Judaism models democratic debate
• [00:04:07] Why the king must carry—and obey—the law
• [00:06:16] The three crowns: Priesthood, monarchy, and Torah for everyone
• [00:10:35] What Jewish sources teach us about leadership and human flaw
• [00:13:44] Are American and Israeli democracies really in peril? Differing concerns and historical context
• [00:17:26] Grassroots activism: What Israel and the U.S. can learn from each other
• [00:24:40] Political polarization: Is there any room left for “purple” communities?
• [00:33:20] Can empathy bridge America’s gaping political divide?
• [00:42:29] Balancing Jewish particularism with civic responsibility
• [00:44:15] Amendment, adaptation, and lessons from the daughters of Salophchad
• [00:46:29] The sacredness of open argument—and Hillel vs. Shammai as a model for today
• [00:48:07] Final reflections: What Jewish values teach us about keeping democracy alive

Tune in for real talk, hard questions, and a journey through Jewish text as a roadmap for our moment in history.