Ed Koch broke from political ranks and long-standing allegiances to support a Republican in New York's ninth congressional seat instead of a Democrat. Notice, I did not use either candidate's name in describing them. In essence, neither did Koch.

From the get-go of this special election, the former Mayor of New York City called for a referendum on President Obama's Israel policies - policies Koch perceives to be vehemently negative. He encouraged all Jews in the ninth district, which has a heavy Jewish population, to elect the Republican candidate to fill the vacant seat. By doing so, Koch asserted, it would tell the President to be wary in his 2012 re-election campaign because the Jewish vote counts. Not once did Koch in his referendum mention one trait, voting record or political stand that either candidate stood for or advocated against. His call was strictly based on political stripe not political record; on affiliation instead of conviction.

I agree that the Jewish vote does count and, historically, Jews show up to vote in higher proportion than other ethnic groups. But encouraging people to vote for someone blind to their record, values or key beliefs is wrong and not very Jewish at all.

We are a few days before the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, followed shortly after by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. These are days of deep introspection and reflection. Key to the idea of the New Year and the days that follow is our responsibility to look not at the vessel, but, rather, the contents within the vessel. Koch, and those that blindly followed his suggestion, were simply choosing a candidate based on their lapel pin being a donkey or an elephant, and not on the beliefs and records that live in the heart underneath that pin. To me, that is the greatest shame of this entire process.

While I am not deeply invested in who wins or loses in the ninth district, I do care deeply about how they win or lose. What happened in the voting booths does not seem to embody the best in our electoral systems or our Jewish values. Furthermore, it is antithetical to the theme for this time of year, which calls to mind Martin Luther King, Jr.'s insistence that we look at the content of one's character and not the animal that demarcates his or her political alliance. Voting should not happen blind to a person and myopic to their views. Elections should happen based on character, records, values and even promises. If not, woe to our elected officials and the country they will govern.

When Koch was mayor, he became famous for walking around the streets of the five boroughs and asking, "Hey, how am I doin'?" Today, I would answer, "Lousy!"

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner

Providing a minyan for congregants who are in mourning, observing a yahrtzeit or who want to be part of a daily prayer service, can only happen with a strong volunteer effort. Thanks to all those who make it possible for our Temple to fullfill this important Mitzvah. To participate please contact Machla at shaffer@templeemanu-el.com

9:00 AM on Sundays

7:30 AM on Wednesdays

7:00 PM on Mondays - Thursdays

SELICHOT SERVICES

Please note change

of venue below.

It is not too late to register. Call Machla in the Temple office, 201-750-9997, by 1:00 PM Friday to take part in this special event.

Jewish Theological Seminary Chapel,

1st Floor

3080 Broadway, NYC

A special program will be followed by Selichot Services & refreshments.
Buses will depart from
the Temple at 7:45 pm prompt! Please park at rear of Temple lot.
Temple Members: $18
Non-Members: $30 

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CALLING ALL F2F

(9-12th graders)

& Bonim Builder Volunteers!

Building a Sukkah is a fun and rewarding project for individuals and families alike. F2F and Bonim Builders will be helping seniors and individuals with physical challenges to celebrate Sukkot by assembling their Sukkah.
Sunday, October 2 at 1:00 PM (location TBD)
For more information please email Tammy Ween at ween@templeemanu-el.com

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FLOWERS FOR ROSH HASHANAH

 You can still order flowers for your Rosh Hashanah table.

Click here to order

Deadline: Monday, September 24.

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Conservative Judaism:

A Community Conversation!

Denominations - Why can't we just be Jews?
 

JTS Chancellor Eisen explores why Judaism has denominations and what these branches add to the Jewish story.  Click here to read this week's blog and tell us what you think. 

Join a FREE class to

 experience the Melton Mini School

 Monday, September 19 7:30-9:15 pm 

Wednesday, September 21 · 10:00 - 11:45 am

at Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey 

50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus

RSVP melton@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3914