Rabbi Peter H. Grumbacher, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Emeth
“Mr. President:
I am writing as a proud American Jew. My pride stems from the values of this country and how they have been a reflection of those which Judaism has held in esteem for centuries. They proclaim the dignity that should be awarded to everyone in contrast to the labels we tend to bestow upon each other with the effect of belittling our neighbors.
My parents came to this country from Nazi Germany. My father fought in the United States Army against those very people who sought to snuff out his life and the lives of our people. Due to his experiences, but more because that’s just the way he was, he did not consider anyone as the “other.” I hope and pray that you do what you can to forcefully speak out against the prejudices, even hatred, that have caused such heartache across recent years when far too many have been viewed as the “other.”
You placed your hand upon the Bible and swore to uphold our Constitution. In many respects our Torah, the Five Books of Moses, is considered the Constitution of the Jews. Moses was commanded to write his own Torah scroll and to have it by his side at all times. By doing so he could never say, “I didn’t know.” I believe every leader should follow that example, hopefully to take to heart at least the spirit of the law that is to guide not only that person but also those who have been selected to advise him.
I so appreciate all your efforts on behalf of the State of Israel, particularly the Abraham Accords. I consider the Accords to be somewhat of a covenant. Would that all Israel’s neighbors fully understand what a covenant of peace might look like. I hope you continue your efforts and encourage them to see the benefit peace would surely bring for the good of the people of the region, the people who yearn for better times, who are tired of the constant animosity that has seen too many of their children die, and for what?
Many thanks for reading my words. There is so much more I wish to say, but limited space and efforts to remain bi-partisan prohibit me from continuing.”
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Rabbi Ellen Bernhardt, Director of Jewish Community Relations Committee
Given the opportunity, I would wish the President well on becoming president of the greatest democracy in the world—that it is an awesome responsibility. I would urge him to surround himself with the brightest of advisors, listen to the experts on all sides of the issue and be in constant communication with all parts of society—the richest and the poorest, from every walk of life, of every race, creed, gender, and political belief. I would remind him of the words of the Constitution and the great Declaration of Independence.
I would ask him for his ironclad commitment to ensuring that the State of Israel has the support of the United States and the wherewithal to defend herself. I would reiterate that Israel and Israelis just want to live in peace and freedom.
I would share with him that every morning, in our daily prayers (Siddur Sim Shalom, edited by Jules Harlow), we recite the following aspirational prayer on page 75:
Our G-d and G-d of our ancestors: We ask Your blessings for our county—for its government, for its leaders and advisors, and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. Teach them insights from Your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst.
Creator of all flesh, bless all the inhabitants of our country with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country.
May this land, under Your providence, be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom—helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any more” (Isaiah 2:4).
And let us say: Amen.
