The more popular expression for Americans, wary of the abuses of power and weaned on the Bill of Rights, is "my home is my castle."  The metaphor conjures up images of moats and high walls, and a defense system to guard your turf against invaders.  It goes along with the sentiment "nobody's the boss of me," and the ideology of rugged individualism.  Like with all things, these ideas have their roles in moderation, but can become problematic in the extreme (think about Agnew’s challenger for governor).

Jewish history and the creativity of first century Sages have provided Jewish communities with a different metaphor.  The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE could have spelled the destruction of Jewish civilization.  It was, after all, the central community institution, the spiritual and economic center of the capital city, and the focus point for the people's relationship with God.  Perceptive leaders, who themselves were torn between a hope for a return to the traditional past and a notion that they were living in an extended period of upheaval, had the "audacity of need" to create new Jewish behavioral norms.  Wisely establishing limited set times to remember the Jerusalem Sanctuary and mourn its loss, they nonetheless declared every home a potential mikdash me'at, a small sanctuary.  The sacrificial offerings would be replaced by the "offerings of the lips," or prayer.  The alter's replacement would be the dinner table.  Sacred service could now expand past the precinct of the Temple and become deeds of loving kindness practiced at home and in the community.  God's presence will be felt through study and the performance of mitzvot, including the celebrations of holidays that help families gather, remember and interact around important values.

Let's compare some of the possible reactions to calling one's home either a castle or a sanctuary. [This recalls for me the classic George Carlin routine on the difference between baseball and football- go ahead, YouTube it, you know you want to]

The sign in front of the castle often declares "Keep Out!" - The welcome mat at a sanctuary's door calls out "all who are hungry come and eat!"  Deep in the castle is a secured room to guard the treasury - In a sanctuary, a pushke dispensing box is poised near the door to distribute tzedakah to those in need.  A sentry is posted at the castle gate to protect those inside from attack - A mezuzah is posted by our sanctuary's gate as a reminder of those ethics by which we consistently run our lives inside and out. In the castle there are very distinct classes, with separation between those born to royalty and those who serve them -  In a sanctuary, all are born to royalty as they are created in God's image, and therefore worthy of ultimate dignity and honor, and yet all are also born to serve God.  The sounds of a castle reverberate with preparations for battle and boasts of power - The sanctuary is filled with the sacred noise of thanksgiving, prayer, and loving support.  So now, in this buyers market, would you look for a castle or sanctuary?

Today we need to have the same creative leadership as did our ancestors in the first century so that:  Individuals cherish being a part of the larger group and still maintain a personal mikdash me’at; Values are learned and lived because they are compelling, and not simply compulsory; Delving into sacred text is an adult activity as well as preparation for a rite of passage;  and every home continually renews the beauty of tradition, hiddur mitzvah, using rituals, art, music, and language that bring meaning to them.

Published in the Washington Jewish Week, August 3, 2011.

Avi West is the Master Educator and Director of the Shulamith Reich Elster Resource Center at the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning.

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