Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Should Jews living in the United States celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July, and if so, what is the appropriate way to do so?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Gratitude for Religious Freedom in America
Those living in the United States should realize their extraordinary fortune to be able to enjoy freedom of religion, something that should not be taken for granted. Throughout our long exile, our nation has suffered under regimes that persecuted us and denied us the ability to live Torah lives. The United States of America, however, was founded on the principle of religious freedom, and has consistently allowed Jews to live openly and fully as Torah-observant people.
For this, we must be extremely grateful.
Hakarat Hatov to Hashem
Our appreciation must begin with feeling and expressing hakarat hatov (gratitude) to Hashem (God), Who in His kindness has guided history to bring about the founding of this nation and our place within it.
We must look back and appreciate every step involved in paving the way for our ability to live here freely today. From Columbus’s discovery of America to the creation of the United States to our flourishing Torah community of today, Hashem orchestrated it all, and we must be eternally grateful to Him.
July 4th: A Time of Hakarat Hatov to the United States
Alongside our gratitude to Hashem, we must also express hakarat hatov to the country itself. Never before in the Diaspora has a country enabled the Jewish people to enjoy such religious freedom, along with the financial stability to maintain a vibrant religious lifestyle. Showing patriotism and support for the United States is part of that expression of gratitude, and the Fourth of July is a fitting time to do so.
There is no need to celebrate with a festive meal or party, rather, you can acknowledge the day by focusing on appreciating our country. Indeed, many Jews mark the day by hanging an American flag outside their homes. In fact, I heard that even the Lakewood Yeshiva (Beth Medrash Govoha) has done so as a public demonstration of appreciation and support for the country.
The Moral Imperative of Gratitude
Expressing appreciation to others is integral to being a mentsch (person of integrity and honor) and serving Hashem properly. As the Sefer Hachinuch writes, a lack of hakarat hatov is repulsive, and by showing gratitude to a human benefactor, we will come to appreciate all the good Hashem does for us. And when a person realizes how much he is indebted to Hashem for every breath he takes and everything he has, he will be inspired to serve Hashem with greater passion and enthusiasm.
In Short
The Fourth of July is a fitting time to express hakarat hatov—to Hashem for the freedoms we enjoy, and to the United States itself. Hanging an American flag is one way to show that appreciation.
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