Rabbi’s Corner – Pre-Election Edition

Dear Friends,
Try as we might, it’s nearly impossible to escape election season in America. For the past few months we (or at least I) have been inundated with ads, endorsements, accusations, and recriminations from politicians or their respective supporters and opponents. According to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics 2010 campaign spending will near $4 billion dollars, truly remarkable considering the lack of a national presidential campaign.

I for one have considered it ironic that we need to spend this much money on the premise that if elected individuals would do some sort of good, when the $4 billion could do much more good if directed towards causes, programs, and charities directly. Perhaps more unsettling is that despite, politicians, pundits, and the public decrying the influence of money in politics, they have no qualms in perpetuating the current system.

Consider for the moment how much we expect candidates to carefully create, craft, and sell their image through various media. If a candidate doesn’t look right, we know it. Body language experts are called in to measure even minute expressions. For example, in 2000 Psychologist Joseph Tecce of Boston College observed that George Bush had a “blink rate” of 82 blinks per minute and Al Gore had a “bpm” of 48.

There’s a saying that we get the leaders we deserve. When we obsess over superficialities, encourage politicians to be caricatures instead of genuine people, and are more concerned with our leaders as public celebrities more than public servants, we should not be surprised when they do not meet up to our expectations. If the system is truly broken as outsides tend to say, then it is up to us voters to do something about it.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Josh Yuter

Welcome to the Stanton Street Shul!

Rabbi’s Corner – Repudiating Reputations Edition

Dear Friends,
Those who have been following the New York gubernatorial race have likely heard of the anti-gay comments Republican candidate Carl Paladino made this past week flanked by ultra-Orthodox Jews. Mr. Paladino subsequently apologized for his remarks, causing him to lose the endorsement of Rabbi Yehuda Levin, who as it turned out wrote the anti-gay comments himself.

Speaking for myself, the most disturbing element of this story came from the comments of conservative commentator Ann Coulter on Fox News’ O’Reilly Factor. In defending Mr. Paladino, Ms. Coulter argued that he was preaching to the choir saying, “He’s speaking to Hasidim… it’s like going to Chicago. You say, ‘Go Cubs.’”

It is one matter for Jews to make disagreeable comments in the name of Judaism – given the plethora of Jewish communities, offending someone is inevitable. However, Ms. Coulter’s remarks reveal that the visceral anti-gay mentality is as fundamental to Hasidic Jews as being a Cubs fan is to Chicagoans (north-siders anyway). More than one mere belief, being anti-gay is perceived to be a defining characteristic of Hasidim (or more accurate ultra-Orthodox Judaism in general).

Regardless of one’s view of homosexuality in Orthodox Judaism, it is extremely unfortunate when this becomes the 14th principle of faith, supplanting all others. Socrates once said, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” I would hope that even the most right-wing Jews believe there is more to Judaism than just homophobia, and if so, should endeavor to present themselves accordingly.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh Yuter

Women’s Torah Reading – Parashat Chayei Sara

The Stanton Street Shul will be hosting its next Women’s Torah Reading for Parashat Chayei Sarah on October 30th.

For more information or to participate, please contact stantonstreetwomen@gmail.com

Volunteer Day

The Stanton St. Shul is pleased to partner once again with Temple Shaarei Tefilah for a “Mitzvah Sunday” volunteer program on Sunday October 24th, 11:00am-3:00pm. We will straightening out the third floor, second floor entrance and kitchen in time for Yiddish Tog on Sunday, November 7th. Stop by to lend and a hand and stay for bagels!