Washington – This afternoon, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization — applauded the appointment by President Obama of Mr. Jacob (“Jack”) Lew as White House Chief of Staff.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Mr. Lew is the first individual affiliated with the Orthodox Jewish community to hold this position of great responsibility. Mr. Lew has been affiliated and active with two OU member congregations over the past decade – Congregation Beth Shalom in Potomac, Maryland and the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in Bronx, New York.
OU Managing Director Rabbi Steven Burg and Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament issued the following statement: “We commend President Obama for appointing Mr. Jack Lew as White House Chief of Staff. Our community takes great pride in the appointment of the first member of our community to this position of great responsibility. We wish Mr. Lew a hearty ‘Mazal Tov’ on his historic appointment and best wishes in his new role in serving the president and people of the United States.”
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of the American Friends of Lubavitch praised the appointment as well saying “In choosing Jack Lew to be his new White House Chief of Staff, The President will have a great yet humble public servant, who has keen insight into some of the most complex policy issues. In addition, the fact that he is well regarded across the spectrum of the Jewish community is a bonus, even if not his core qualification. On balance, I think this is good for the American Jewish community, which is obviously kvelling at this exciting development.
Rabbi Abba Cohen Agudath Israel of America Vice President for Federal Government Affairs Washington Director and Counsel Comment on the appointment of Jack Lew as chief of Staff:
“The President is to be commended for appointing Jack Lew as his new chief of staff. Jack Lew is a person of great skill and intellect. He is an extraordinarily hard worker with a firm grasp of both policy and politics. He is a true public servant.
To the Jewish community, Jack has always been receptive and helpful. We wish him much success in his new role and look forward to continue working with him on issues facing our community and country.”
The OU is a business just like all businesses and does not represent the frum American Jewry.
They had me until HIR.
What’s his connection to the OU? They don’t comment on every Ortho who makes it to the big time.
He is “affiliated” with orthodox synagogues. Does that mean he is a shomer shabbos? Or just affiliated?
this is further proof that Obama is not anti-Semitic like some right-wing nuts would have you believe
mazel tov to jack lew
This is just to get the orthodox jewish vote. Hopefully it will not work
Mr Lew should resign immediately
“The Orthodox Community Takes Great Pride in Appointment of Lew”
As well they should! It’s a wonderful accomplishment for him & his family! I’m sure they are all very proud of him, and this will be an excellent foot in the door for pretty much any career path in Washington he wants!
It’s excellent news! (:-D
Jack davens in the same shul as Nat Lewin and a number of other frum washingtonians. He will make decisions based on his own judgement and his rav’s advice, not the armchair poskim here on VIN. For all those nutcases who believe Obama made this appointment to gain a few jewish votes, please get some help. Lew is probably one of the few, if any, competent washington pros who would even consider the job with less than a year left before the election. He is a real public servant and the President is lucky he accepted the offer.
Mr. Lew seems like nice enough guy to have around the President… Eric Cantor is also frum jewish and is a Republican.. This shouldn’t make any difference to frum jews since conservative principles match most with frum values. The fact that he’s jewish alone doesn’t mean anything.. Its a secular mindset that even some jews in israel have.. Which is pro gay marriage.. Weak military.. Entitlements, welfare etc.. And peace at any cost.. Ron Paul is the real villan.. Other than him.. Its all pretty much the same crap.. Although I personally love Rick Perry..