Saturday, August 31, 2013

Family at heart of fairer society (Opinion)

Lord SacksThe most respected religious leader in Britain for the last two decades has undoubtedly been Lord Sacks, Britain’s retiring Chief Rabbi.

As Chief Rabbi he proved himself to be the most astute and the most relevant religious leader; he is hugely respected by Jews, non-Jews, believers and nonbelievers alike. 

His statements have been sensible, challenging and compassionate. Last week he gave a controversial and widely quoted interview to Daniel Finkelstein of The Times newspaper. 

Lord Sacks was particularly articulate on the value of family life. 

As Chief Rabbi he has been a prolific writer having produced a book every year for 22 years. 

One of them, ‘The Politics of Hope’, is a blueprint for social reform. 
 
Lord Sacks believes that we must work towards a social covenant among people – which he describes as, “How to make people behave better to each other and to build meaningful relationships.” 

This he says is, “the greatest task of any society.” 

The basic of reforms of civil society are:
 
1) To construct an environment of strong families.
 
2) Create a strong environment of supportive communities.
 
3) Focus intensely on the education system.
 
4) Challenge those who succeed to share some of their blessings with those who have less. 

Central to all his arguments is the institution of marriage. 

“I think the Government (in Britain) has not done enough for marriage although I don’t take a party political stance. The State has an interest in marriage because the cost of family breakdown and non-marriage, is estimated at £9 billion a year.

“The State should certainly recognise marriage in the Tax system. It should certainly give more support to mothers who stay at home, or for childcare provision. 

“I don’t believe in getting involved in the details but the principle is pretty clear,” the Chief Rabbi said.

Another area of social reform is overcoming racism. 

Lord Sacks has said many times that “multiculturalism has had its day and it’s time to move on.” He recognises that there is a difference between multiculturalism and a multi-ethnic society. 

He describes his vision by comparing a country house with a hotel and a hotel with a home. 

In a country house, “every minority is welcome but is a guest.” 

In a hotel however, “Nobody is at home, it doesn’t belong to anyone – we’ve each got our own room and so as long as we don’t disturb the neighbours we can do whatever we like.” 

But a home “is something we all have to build together.”

Sacks considers multiculturalism an hotel. 

“The real danger in a multicultural society is that every ethnic group and religious group becomes a pressure group furthering their people’s interests instead of the national interest.” 

As with all other religions there has been a fall-off in the practice of the faith in the Jewish community too. Lord Sacks believes that the breakdown in faith is the result of a breakdown in institutions. 

“A very individualistic society doesn’t really have space for God,” he says. “It doesn’t really have space for a covental commitment to marriage and these things are interlinked. 
“So I think society has become deep down more secular. It’s not just on the surface – do you believe God exists… there is a deep down hollowing out.” 

Asked whether he was an optimist or a pessimist the Chief Rabbi quoted, “Another rabbinical story.” Somebody once asked a Rabbi whether he was an optimist or pessimist, and he gave the most extraordinary answer. 

“I am not an optimist … who believes this is the best of all possible worlds, and I am not a pessimist…. who says that this is the worst of all possible worlds. I believe this is the worst of all possible worlds in which there is still hope.”

Lord Sacks resigns the Office of Chief Rabbi in a few days’ time. His wisdom will be sorely missed.