We watched parts of President Trump’s 2025 Inauguration this week, especially the benediction by Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University. The rabbi’s speech wasn’t as dramatic or theatrical as the pastor from Detroit who followed him, but his theme may be an important reminder for all of us (both those who did or didn’t vote for Trump, and regardless of our feelings towards him or his policy/style) going forward.

Rabbi Dr. Berman quoted Jeremiah, it’s a verse recited near the end of our Grace after Meals: “Blessed is the man who trusts in G-d.” And he connected it to the national motto of the United States (established as such back in President Eisenhower’s days) that we’re familiar with from coins and currency: “In G-d We Trust”.

The Rebbe also loved this as the motto, and back in the years of the cold war, suggested that the United States send along a nickel with every shipment of export food or grain to Russia to remind the atheist communists that the United States is a nation with a motto emblazoned on its currency: “In G-d We Trust.”

Now this ties into this week’s Torah portion of Vaeira where Pharaoh keeps doubting G-d and resisting the call for the Jewish Exodus. The Haftorah hammers home the idea that Pharaoh was blinded by his own ego, he was so self-centered and arrogant that he had no room for G-d. To Pharoah, it was all about the Pharoah. Nothing and no one else mattered.

The plagues were needed to break Pharaoh’s smug self-assurance and arrogance. This explains the usefulness of frogs – they weren’t dangerous or destructive as much as they were a silly nuisance and annoyance, and despite their just being frogs, Pharoah couldn’t bring it until control. It must have been exasperating for a tyrant like that! Humiliating, and a reminder that he can’t control everything.

Rabbi Dr. Berman’s message is important. Yes, we do vote for candidates, there are policies we prefer, there are things we don’t like, there are politicians who resonate more with our values. But trust? That level of deep trust and reliance is not in men. That’s reserved for G-d.

Recalls the sign I’ve seen behind the counter in some small retail shops: “In G-d We Trust – all others pay cash.”

To be continued…