Lux et Veritas: Beyond the Yale insignia
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SHMULLY HECHT
Published 2/22/00
What has happened to Yale? A few weeks ago we read about the suicide of one of our own undergrads. I believe this tragedy could have been prevented, were the proper communal support system set up in our town. A residential college master pleads guilty to downloading child pornography on the Internet. The crime is so vulgar that it has compelled the University to consider revoking his tenure contract. Yale University has not taken such action in 30 years. Another faculty member has been named as a suspect in the mysterious murder of a female undergrad. The University continues to deny access to the portfolio of companies in which it invests. Many are believed to engage in unethical business practices.
Obviously downloading pornography and murder cannot be compared. Both, however, characterize a corrosion of our character as a result of the negative influences of the every day world. A degeneration of society that has creeped into the Academy without warning.
As a Rabbi, I obviously have traditional beliefs of morality and its guidelines. I am, however, aware that the readers of this column have diverse views regarding the definition of the moral high ground that society should embrace. I do, however, believe the time has come to reflect on the history of this school and perhaps take a lesson from it.
We must only lift up our eyes to see the insignia that has been part of Yale since 1722. The famous Latin phrase "Lux et Veritas" is everywhere and continues to be a part of almost every document the University prints, including stationary and diplomas. Unfortunately, many of us are unaware of the significance of this insignia and its history.
The Bible tells us in Exodus 28:30 that G-d commanded the High Priest to wear a breastplate upon entering the Temple. This breastplate, referred to as the Choshen, was to contain 12 stones on its face and a scroll in its interior flap. The scroll was to contain the Tetragrammaton, G-d's name. This inscription was called the Urim V'tumim, classically translated as Light and Truth. In this commandment, the verse tells us that by wearing this apron Aaron would bear the judgment of the Jewish people in the presence of the Lord.
Commentaries explain that it was this inscription that allowed the breastplate to guide the people in times of doubt. By miraculously illuminating letters on the 12 stones and thereby spelling words, it answered the questions of the leaders of the Jewish people.
There is an old debate as to why the founders of Yale chose this to be the insignia of the University on Oct. 17, 1722.
Regardless of their intention, I find it compelling to consider its significance. Despite the radical changes of Yale from a Christian school into a liberal arts college, this is one of the remaining religious icons that Yale continues to embrace. This demonstrates the idea that there is a higher power (expressed in the use of a religious symbol) that determines what light and truth are. How we define this higher power continues to be an ideal we pursue.
When we are plagued with news that manifest the degeneration and demoralization of society as a whole and of the academy in particular, we should reflect on this historical decision and its relevance. Even Western ideology or classic liberalism allows for the adaptation of cultural icons and symbols that declare higher authority. Yale has not chosen to eliminate this ideal and continues to portray this seal everywhere, perhaps as a reminder that judgment, be it in powers of high or our own courts, is at the end of the road. Were we to embrace this ideal of the founders, we would not only be better Yalies but better citizens. We are responsible for our actions and at times must pay a price for them. Modern thinkers also would not deny that every individual is responsible for his or her actions and their ramifications.
A more civil society would be one where right and wrong were things people thought about before they acted. Whether in Hebrew, Latin or English there is a light and truth we must seek. We do bear judgment for who we are and what we do. Whether High Priests in the Temple in Jerusalem or the Christian founders of Yale, we have to remember the relevance of every individual act and their effect on society at large.
So next time you lift up your head and see those shining words of Light and Truth emanating from the arches of Yale, listen to the message. There is a price to pay if we do not.
Shmully Hecht is the rabbinical advisor of Chai, the Jewish society at Yale.
yaledailynews.com
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Van de Velde: 'status' is not sign of moral depravity
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Published 2/23/00
To the Editor:
I was deeply offended by Rabbi Shmully Hecht's op-ed in yesterday's Yale Daily News decrying the lack of moral character at Yale which noted the sad fact that the University and New Haven Police named me a suspect in the murder of Yale coed Suzanne Jovin -- as if my 'status' is evidence of my moral depravity. Why does not the Rabbi decry the dangers of capricious investigation, negligent silence, false accusation, the presumption of guilt or hysteria? I had no idea Talmudic standards include guilt by association.
This type of irresponsible loose talk, which the Rabbi continues and therefore propagates by presuming that murder was committed by a member of the Yale community, undermines the Rabbi's message, or perhaps makes it all the more poignant. The Old Testament is replete with stories decrying malicious gossip, wrongful accusation and arrogance. In an article that decries acts of moral turpitude within the Yale community, he need look no further than himself for examples. If he believes the message he was preaching about the importance of character, he would resign his position at Yale immediately.
James R. Van de Velde '82
February 22, 2000
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