Windham, NH - A young man who does not shake hands with women was recently elected to the state Legislature. "My faith out of respect for women does not allow contact between unrelated men and women," said Rep. Jason Bedrick, 23, R-Windham. He said he explains this on a daily basis to female colleagues who reach out their hands to him.
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Bedrick is the first Orthodox Jew to be elected in New Hampshire, a state that is home to fewer than 10 Orthodox Jewish families and where Jewish people account for 1 percent of the population.
Black-bearded, Bedrick never takes off his yarmulke and usually politely declines whenever a fellow legislator asks him whether he'd like to grab a bite to eat, since most New Hampshire restaurants do not carry kosher food.
Almost 4,500 Windham and Salem voters put their support behind Bedrick on election day, even though he missed several campaign events because they took place during the Sabbath. In the end, every ballot counted because he beat his opponent by six votes after a recount.
Hatzlocha to you, Jason, should you ever be told of this blog.
Why don’t more J-blogs cover THIS story? THIS IS FASCINATING!!!
Great story! See how well things work out when one’s customs and religious principles are explained? It’s just that simple. If the Jews in Lakewood would learn by this example, I believe it would improve the relations between the Jews and non-Jews, and maybe one day we could all co-exist in peace and harmony, respecting each others customs and traditions. However, in Lakewood, any question is immediately interpreted to be anti-Semitic, no explanation is provided, so no one gets a chance to learn and understand.
i would love to know what he aid to them in his letter ie how he explained it to them.
You can see his picture at:
http://www.unionleader.com/pda-article.aspx?articleId=a9259b8e-33d3-4637-b369-9f4904fd9a1c
I think were missing the most interesting part of this story:
He was elected BECAUSE he doesn’t shake hands with women….., not DESPITE that fact…. Please read on:
Windham sends first Orthodox Jew in NH to legislature
By JULIE MASIS
Special to The Union Leader
Almost 4,500 Windham and Salem voters put their support behind Bedrick on election day, even though he missed several campaign events because they took place during the Sabbath. In the end, every ballot counted because he beat his opponent by six votes after a recount. He said he believes the support he received from the Salem Women’s Club really made a difference.
Barbara Elliot, co-president of the club, and several of her female friends voted for Bedrick after he wrote them an e-mail explaining why he does not shake hands with women.
“After they read this, my girlfriends understood it was not because he did not like women. It was because of his religion. They changed their mind and they voted for him,” Elliot said, adding she would be proud to have Bedrick as a son. “I definitely got him his five votes there.”
THIS is a REAL Kiddush Hashem!!!
i would love to know what other people think about shaking womans hands when doing business etc
Google Jason Bedrick New Hampshire. It looks like he recently became a baal teshuva.
FASCINATING, IM LOVING IT
Is this story true? If so, truly amazing. Who is this legislator?
Like to hear more about him.
What an amazing story! I assume it proves also that Kiruv Rechokim is making a difference out in tranquil New hampshire!
Nice story.
WE LOVE JASON!!!! 🙂
– From NH