“God has told you, human, what is good and what God wants from you, only to make justice, love kindness, and to show humility as you walk with God.”
—Micah 6:8
As we celebrate Presidents Day, it seems appropriate to consider the legacy of George Washington, whose dedicated service to our country first inspired the annual celebration of his February 22 birthday in 1800, the year following his death. (Although the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 ensured that we observe the day on the third Monday of February, rather than on his actual birthday, the name of the federal holiday remains Washington’s Birthday.)
Washington illustrated how leadership should be synonymous with service. He inspired trust through his selfless service to the country during the War for Independence. He cultivated respect for the office of the presidency through his sincerity, restraint, and decorum. He displayed grace and humility through his creation of the presidential cabinet to advise him on matters of state. The standards, norms, and precedents he established inspired generations of civic leaders.
Washington set no greater precedent, though, than through his refusal to continue in office past his second term. All too aware of the abuses that follow an excess of authority, President Washington modestly eschewed continued power in exchange for a more viable republic, hoping his example would set a standard for future presidents to follow (which it did).
Washington’s example challenges us to consider how humility can better inform our choices—as Americans, as Jews, and as family members—as we move forward into the next chapter of this nation’s history.
—Rabbi Josh Knobel