Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about Josh Shapiro’s amazing speech at Temple University. This was the first time that Kamala introduced Governor Tim Walz as her pick for running mate. Josh the beloved Governor of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania was not going to be the VP. With poise, grace, and excitement Josh talked about the importance of supporting this ticket. He ended the speech with a reference to the teaching of Rabbi Tarfon. If you have not, you really need to see the end his speech.

What a Kiddush HaShem for Josh to share this faith as a rally cry? When was the last time that someone did a mic drop with Perkei Avot? I was filled with pride. Josh is now a household name, but what do people know about Rabbi Tarfon?

Rabbi Tarfon was a member of the third generation of the Mishnah sages, who lived in the period between the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE) and the fall of Betar (135 CE).Avot 2:16. Beyond being Rabbi and a teacher, he was a Kohen without the Temple. To add a layer, his name comes from the Greek Τρύφων Tryphon literally “one who lives in luxury”. He seems to be in nexus of all of the source of power in his time, maybe he should have run for public office.

Although wealthy, he possessed extraordinary modesty. He taught in the Mishna in Perkei Avot:

The day is short, and the labor is plenty; the laborers are slothful, while the reward is great, and the master of the house is pressing. (Avot 2:15)

While he himself was wealthy, he imagined himself in the employment of the Master of the Universe. He goes on to teach:

It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it; If you have studied much Torah, you shall be given much reward. Faithful is your employer to pay you the reward of your labor; And know that the grant of reward unto the righteous is in the age to come. (Avot 2:16)

Again the source of his inspiration is not his wealth, but his belief that he is working for God. We need to be determined and rigorous in our efforts. And we need to take comfort that we will not see the ends of this work, but that is not an excuse for us not to do our part. God is the employer who expects more from us, but also understands that we will never finish the job of partnering with God to make the world a better place.

Rabbi Tarfon’s lesson is echoed by a story told my John Girard, which goes:

On a foggy autumn day nearly 800 years ago a traveler happened upon a large group of workers adjacent to the River Avon. Despite being tardy for an important rendezvous curiosity convinced the traveler that he should inquire about their work. With a slight detour he moved toward the first of the three tradesmen and said “my dear fellow what is it that you are doing?” The man continued his work and grumbled, “I am cutting stones.” Realizing that the mason did not wish to engage in a conversation the traveler moved toward the second of the three and repeated the question. To the traveler’s delight this time the man stopped his work, ever so briefly, and stated that he was a stonecutter. He then added “I came to Salisbury from the north to work but as soon as I earn ten quid I will return home.” The traveler thanked the second mason, wished him a safe journey home and began to head to the third of the trio.

When he reached the third worker he once again asked the original question. This time the worker paused, glanced at the traveler until they made eye contact and then looked skyward drawing the traveler’s eyes upward. The third mason replied, “I am a mason and I am building a cathedral.” He continued, “I have journeyed many miles to be part of the team that is constructing this magnificent cathedral. I have spent many months away from my family and I miss them dearly. However, I know how important Salisbury Cathedral will be one day and I know how many people will find sanctuary and solace here. I know this because the Bishop once told me his vision for this great place. He described how people would come from all parts to worship here. He also told that the Cathedral would not be completed in our days but that the future depends on our hard work.” He paused and then said, “So I am prepared to be away from my family because I know it is the right thing to do. I hope that one day my son will continue in my footsteps and perhaps even his son if need be.”

Are we all prepared to sacrifice what is needed to get the work done? We all need to do our part in building this country.

Like Rabbi Tarfon, Josh is at the nexus of power at the crossroads of history. Josh a proud Jew working for the common good. Josh is a well-spoken successful moderate Democrat from Pennsylvania. With the Keystone State goes the Electoral College. And while Philadelphia is the birthplace of this country, it is far from perfect. It is not our duty to finish the work, but neither are we at liberty to neglect it. Like Rabbi Tarfon, Josh understands that he is working for something greater than himself. Now, Rabbi Tarfon and Josh Shapiro are both household names. Josh’s time will come. It is clear that at some point Josh will run for and win the the Presidency. Kol HaKavod.