Torah’s Structure of Government and Its Lasting Influence (Devarim)

Is the Torah’s ideal government a monarchy, a democracy, or something entirely different? This class explores the Torah’s vision of leadership, showing that government is not only meant to prevent chaos, but to guide society toward justice, morality, and connection to G-d. From Moshe’s judges to the Sanhedrin and the Jewish king, we’ll see how Torah balances strong authority with deep limits on power, placing even the king beneath Torah law. The class also explores how ideas from the Torah shaped later political thought, including key features of American government, such as the Senate, the presidency, and the judicial system.