In this period of political maelstrom, it might be a good idea to take a deep breath and consider how Jewish principles can and should shape our politics. That’s just what Rabbi Michael Rothburn did when he wrote “Our Job as Jews Is Not to Watch Politics as Sport. It’s to Bring Jewish Values Into the Public Sphere,” an article that appeared recently on Forward.com. Rabbi Rothburn is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Elohim in Acton, Massachusetts. He’s openly gay and is married to African-American Yiddish singer Anthony Russell, a convert to Judaism.
Quote: “Calls for pragmatism cannot drown out discussions of ethical fitness and Jewish morality. A nomination process is a time for us as Jews to assert our values, and make a case for the nominee who best represents those values, values that have been in short supply over the last few years. Values like tzedek — social justice, and Shmirat ha’adamah — guarding the earth, and Ahavat ha’ger — love of the immigrant, and Ahavat ha’briyot — love of all humanity. And of course Lo ta’ashok, rejecting the oppression of the weak. Values like emet: truth.”
Source: Forward.com
Read “Our Job as Jews Is Not to Watch Politics as Sport. It’s to Bring Jewish Values Into the Public Sphere” >>
> Learn more about Rabbi Michael Rothbaum. >>
Photo: JewishBoston
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