By COLlive reporter
As the only Orthodox Jew in the Senate, Senator Joseph Lieberman‘s observance of his faith has inspired other religious Jewish-Americans to take up the cause of public service while embracing their religion.
“Lieberman always emphasizes that he is a senator and not a rabbi,” Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, pointed out to the Washington Jewish Week.
“But he has moved the ball so forward that he has allowed thousands of observant Jews to now cultivate a dream of public service without having to contemplate compromise of their faith,” Shemtov said.
Over the years, Lieberman has been active in American Friends of Lubavitch’s Capitol Jewish Forum, the largest Jewish group on Capitol Hill providing programs for Jewish staffers and members of Congress, the newspaper reported.
As his 24-year tenure comes to an end in November 2012, Lieberman will be recalling the immense impact the Lubavitcher Rebbe had on him, his family and his political career.
Upon being elected to the United States Senate in 1989, he came to 770 Eastern Parkway and told the Rebbe, “I’m going to Washington and I’m going to take the oath on Tuesday and wanted to ask for your bracha.”
In this first of many interactions, the Rebbe told him: “May G-d Almighty bless you to be successful in your new position, and to be a source of pride for the Jewish people in general.”
Lieberman want on to be a Vice Presidential candidate on the Al Gore ticket and made a Kiddush Hashem with his keeping of Shabbos (which was the subject of his recent book).
He will be speaking Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the International Living Legacy conference in Washington, DC, honoring the Rebbe and his legacy on the occasion of his yahrzeit.
Lieberman is expected to speak about the Rebbe’s global influence and his friendship with the Shluchim around the world.
The Living Legacy conference, held every 2 years, will reflect upon the Rebbe’s life and legacy, seeking the crucial clarity and guidance needed in the face of the unprecedented challenges of our time.
A breakfast on Capitol Hill will include the Congressional Leadership of both parties. Diplomats and ambassadors will be joining for a luncheon, and a Gala Banquet will provide an uplifting conclusion to the prestigious event that unites Chabad Shluchim and supporters with the halls of power of the U.S. Government.
I wish more Jews would understand that tax is as close to theft as it comes, it’s a forceful action and tax payers money should be spent with outmost respect.
Social security is a scam and an insult to working people telling them that they are not smart enough to save for they retirement, but that they have to save how and when the government tells you.
So sure, you had power and were orthodox… ok, nice job… I mean it.
But how about having the right ideas and principles?
so if you scandal free your a great politician? ever heard of bill clinton one of the greatest presidents ever LOL you are skewed
major Kidush Hashem. with all the scandals involving politicians in the recent past and beyond, Lieberman is the exception of a principled individual who voted what he felt was right, against his own party, which then ejected and persecuted him. kol hakavod for all his accomplishments.
Must you always complain?
Maybe what have you been doing is even more sterile!
Gut Shabbos!
Loved his book, The Gift Of Rest. Highly recommend it!
Yaasher koach Senator Lieberman! As the Rebbe would always say and give thanks to ones supportive wife, thank you Mrs. Lieberman.
Much Bracha and Nachas in merit of all the wonderful things you have done and do.
and a very principled public servant!
y the negativity? what for? what does it accomplish? PLEASE can’t we learn to be kind? not to say things that do not further anything? tzulib vos? PLEASE.
if a negative comment is said, and it is said because it will help, nu, mayle, but stam? PLEASE let us refrain.
yes your an orthodox jew but you have been a sterile politician for years…