Washington – Rahm Emanuel is the new Chief of Staff for Barack Obama. Among other interesting details we know about him, he is a longtime member of a Modern Orthodox synagogue. Alana Kornfeld of Beliefnet.com scored an interview with the rabbi of that synagogue: Asher Lopatin of Chicago’s Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation. What do we learn? Here’s a nugget:
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Q: Do you think Emanuel will influence the non-observant to have a different view of observance? Most people, let alone most Jews, don’t think Orthodox Jews are supposed to be able to be this deep into the modern and secular world.
A: I think it will have a real impact. I know I have congregants that have had to go to court to win custody battles, because they’ve been accused, as Orthodox Jews, of being sort of these crazy lunatics. And I think when you do see these figures, however observant they are and however they would classify themselves, as members of an Orthodox synagogue, it’s got to have an impression on Jews everywhere. And I guess it does have to show that there’s a certain amount of normalcy to Orthodoxy. And maybe worldliness–a great deal of worldliness to Orthodoxy.
to read the entire interview click here
none had issues with orthos. its the fanatics/extremist tha are problamatic
I don’t know how orthodox he is, but he is certainly a leftist lunatic.
It will be interesting to see under what situations R’ Rahm asks for a heter and when it is granted (you remember the financial stimulus bill)
Kol Tuv
The first posting bashing Emanuel for davening at a “modern orthodox” shul gets an all expense weekend in Monsey; the second poster gets two weekends in Monsey.
just looking at this picture President Obama looks like a kid who is trying to play school! What an amusing photo.
adding to #2 they bouth are trying to keep a straight face, LMAO
Rahm is the biggest lunatic around
Rahm, thank you.
Orthodox?? Yeah right. I must be the pope.
Notice how he says “…certain amount of normalcy…”
The way Rahm Emanuel behaved during The Inaugaration, can only prove to the world that orthodox Jews are lunatics, with that kind of behvaior we as Jews have no hope. Unless, “normal” in america means means being immature, and crazy, then yes, Rahm Emanuel can prove it.
Rahm will be wearing a Shtreimel on Shabbos!!