One of the beautiful things about the United States of America is that, at least in theory, the law applies to everybody. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution guarantees equal protection of the law to all persons within the jurisdiction of our nation. This idea is not unique, however, to the American experiment; we find an early example of this principle in Torah!
This week’s parsha, Parshat Emor, is a classic Levitical portion in that it is primarily comprised of laws and reminders for time-bound ritual observances. Yet, before the list ends, there is a legal case study that provides one of our most important Jewish legal precedents. While camped in the wilderness, a fight broke out between an Israelite and a half-Israelite. At some point therein, the half-Israelite blasphemed God. This caused a distinct conundrum for our ancient ancestors; the law on blasphemy was clear, but the status of the perpetrator was in question—to whom do God’s laws apply?
Torah answers this question simply and clearly: “You shall have one standard for stranger and citizen alike; I am HaShem your God” (Leviticus 24:22).
This verse does not surprise us—our Torah frequently reminds us to love and care for the stranger! However, where we may often interpret a moral imperative in these commandments, here we clearly find a legal one. Our Jewish law and tradition do not merely suggest, but rather insist, that we treat people equally in all arenas of life. Especially for us as American Jews… it’s our civic duty.