notes from sunday...

We had an interesting conversation at our Sunday morning discussion/brawl yesterday.
I brought up the idea that American Law focuses a lot on individuals' rights (which is why I can live so freely as an observant Jew in this wonderful country).
The Torah, however, has very little discussion of rights; it's mostly about responsibility.
Rights vs. Responsibilities.
There's a big difference.
Rights is about me and my wants, my space, my senstivities - what's-coming-TO-me. Responsibility is about my empathy, my response (as in response-ability), to the needs of 'other' - what's-needed-FROM-me.
For example: A child has the right to an education by American Law. By Torah Law it's framed as the responsibility of a parent to educate a child, and the responsibility of a child (as he/she grows older) to educate himself/herself.
It's about what's needed OF ME.
I'm glad that my government allows for plenty of space, and doesn't saddle me with responsiblities as they see fit.
But I need to fill that space, the liberty of a free life,  with a moral system of my choice.  That's what Founding Fathers expected of me.
I need to make 'other' - and the responsibility to 'other - an important part of my life. That's the (unlegislated!) American way.