"But as a congregational rabbi and now the head of the largest Jewish movement in North America, I've never told congregants for whom they should vote. I won't start now, despite the Trump administration's misguided efforts to weaken the Johnson Amendment, the longstanding rule that bars congregations and their leaders from endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit. Keeping partisan politics out of our politically diverse congregations feels more essential than ever in today's polarized climate."
"I respect rabbinic colleagues who have added their names to the letter "A Rabbinic Call to Action: Defending the Jewish Future" - as more than 1,100 from across the country have now done. Similarly, I respect colleagues who have principled reasons for not signing on. The fact is that there is more than one way for rabbis to express moral clarity and to speak about urgent issues facing our community."
A congregational rabbi and movement leader maintains that clergy should not endorse or oppose political candidates from the pulpit, upholding the Johnson Amendment and keeping partisan politics out of diverse congregations. Respect is expressed for rabbis who supported a rabbinic call to action and for those who declined, noting multiple ways to express moral clarity. Preaching can address moral issues during campaign season without electioneering. Jewish safety and security are paramount given rising antisemitism, including 976 reported incidents in New York City in 2024, and a mayor must ensure continued NYPD protection for the community.
Read at Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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