By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, BIN—
In the wake of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, President Donald Trump has brought more religion into his politics, calling for a national day of prayer and attending church in Washington, D.C. and Texas.
Though much of his voter base came from religious Christians, President Trump is not overtly devout, nor is he known to attend church regularly. He went to a church service after his inauguration in January, but did not sit in a pew again until Easter.
Though Torah law is certainly not incumbent upon American presidents, it is interesting to note that kings of Israel were required to take part in religious ceremonies. In particular, kings were commanded to read a section of the Torah in front of the people of Israel once every seven years.
Every seventh year, the year set for remission, at the festival of Sukkot,when all Yisrael comes to appear before Hashem your God in the place that He will choose, you shall read this Teaching aloud in the presence of all Yisrael. Deuteronomy 31:10-11
But President Trump seemed to undergo a shift after Hurricane Harvey, turning to prayer in the wake of one of the worst natural disasters in US history. Last Friday, he issued a proclamation for a national day of prayer for those who have suffered from the storm.
“We are deeply grateful for those performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and comfort for those in need,” the president’s proclamation read.
Read more at https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/94503/president-trump-turns-church-prayer-wake-hurricane-harvey-video/#mrxXGB6SjI4qCqcR.99