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Beyond Boundaries: Rabbis And Ministers In Support Of Israel

Last Sunday, I traveled to Washington for the annual conference of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC). The ZRC is an organization of over 1,000 rabbis from across North America dedicated to fostering love and commitment to Zionism and Israel. We take public positions in committed support of Israel and work together to craft messages that resonate with American Jews of all ages and backgrounds. At a time when there is concern over the widening gap between the Jews of Israel and North America, we work to close that gap. In the words of our charter, "With unconditional love, yet not uncritical support, we are convinced that working together we can face any challenge." Our three-day conference was filled with important meetings, lectures, networking, and direct engagement with elected officials in Washington. Among the notable speakers was Professor Shai Davidai, the Columbia University faculty member who was the first to criticize Columbia University for its failure to speak...
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Singing Hatikvah on Israel Independence Day

Yesterday was Yom Ha'atzmaut . Throughout Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, there were major celebrations to mark 77 years of the State of Israel. Yet this year, the celebration of Israel's independence and the joy and pride that normally accompany this event were different than in the past, tempered by challenges and uncertainty. Even a cursory review of the headlines from Israel in just the past several days demonstrates the great tensions and challenges within Israel's government and society. The government is divided over the twin priorities of seeking the return of Israel's hostages as well as defeating Hamas. As Israel's president, Isaac Herzog said "Israel can't celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us." Prime Minister Netanyahu's Independence Day remarks, which stated clearly that victory over Hamas, and not the return of the hostages, was the supreme objective of the war i...
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“If I Am Not For Myself, Who Will Be For Me?" Senator Bill Cassidy Reconsidered

Earlier this week, I received an invitation to a fundraiser for Senator Bill Cassidy. The invitation came from NORPAC, an organization that hosts fundraising events for pro-Israel congressmen and senators. Founded in 1994, NORPAC has held thousands of such events, building relationships with elected officials that have proven tremendously beneficial to the Jewish and pro-Israel communities in America. While I am not a member of NORPAC, I am a supporter. I admire their goals, laud their efforts, and am grateful for their successes. The list of individuals they have endorsed is both extensive and significant, underscoring the importance of their work. Regular readers of my Shabbat messages may recall that about two months ago, I wrote critically about Senator Cassidy, particularly regarding his support for Bobby Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services. I believed then—and continue to believe—that his support for this deeply flawed choice was a complete abdication of his re...
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Tell The White House To Protect The Nonprofit Security Grant Program

I receive emails and updates from dozens of Jewish organizations and Israel related groups every single day. I'm not saying I receive more email than anyone else, but I'll match my inbox with anyone's. I receive at least 200 - 250 emails every single day and must prioritize the important ones from the less important ones. The truth is that they are all important. Yet some are of more immediate concern than others. I received an email from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) yesterday that I want to bring to the attention of the community. I want to share its contents with you for a variety of reasons, among them to explain how spending priorities in Washington directly affect Jewish communities and synagogues just like ours throughout the country. Jewish organizations administer a variety of government funds and grants that pay for all types of programs and activities. These grants fund social service projects administered by agencies like our local Jewish Federation of No...
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