Torah For Our Times: Passover – The Passing of the Pope

In tractate Sanhedrin of the Babylonian Talmud, Rabbi Abbaye makes the following statement: “There are no less than thirty-six righteous people in the world who receive the Divine Presence.”  These thirty-six anonymous individuals are familiarly referred to as the Lamed Vavniks (literally, the “36”).  This legend teaches that the world is sustained by the work of these humble souls!  When one of them passes away, there is always another born to continue the work.    

 Though Jews would like to believe we created this legend, it has found a place in several religious traditions.  The Catholic church, among others, has embraced this legend in their teachings.  Mother Theresa referred to the “36” when she wrote:  “Certainly, the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially co-determined by souls whom no history book ever mentions. And we will only find out about those souls to whom we owe the decisive turning points in our personal lives on the day when all that is hidden is revealed.”

 Mother Theresa, herself, may very well have been one of the Lamed Vavniks,  The same may be said about the late Pope Francis.   While 1.39 billion Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis, they are being joined by countless numbers of Jews and Gentiles worldwide. 

In the space of twelve short years, Pope Francis did more to change the face of the Catholic church and touch the lives of people of every faith than any religious leader in recent history.  Among his many accomplishments was an effort to embrace interfaith dialogue among Jews, Muslims, and Christians.  He traveled the world denouncing human trafficking as a crime against humanity.  He opened the Catholic church doors to greater inclusion of gays and lesbians.

He spoke out strongly on the effects of war, especially in regard to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.  He did not shy away from chiding world leaders, including the American President, on the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees.  He was not afraid to bring faith to politics, and kindness, love, and caring to all human beings.  For this writer, his greatest lesson was taught in the manner he lived his life, with humility.

The legend goes on to teach we will never know who these Lamed Vavniks are, but as long as they walk the face of this earth our lives are safer and more secure.  

Pope Francis, rest in peace!

Rabbi Howard Siegel