Rabbi Jack Moline, the incoming director of the National Jewish Democratic Committee, last week charged into the debate over enhanced Iran sanctions in a way that raised eyebrows and some concern. An Iran sanctions bill has won a bipartisan majority in the Senate, but not yet enough votes to overcome a promised veto from President Obama. Both sides are lobbying hard on the issue.
On Jan. 10, NJDC’s Moline was quoted by JTA as criticizing the advocacy efforts of AIPAC and AJC in favor of the bill, as seeking to impose a “litmus test” on senators, and of using “strong-arm tactics” to win votes for the legislation. Under any measure, those are harsh words in the delicate world of politics and diplomacy.
In an interview with WJW this week, Moline explained his position as follows: “We have good and faithful Democrats on both sides of this, and we simply don’t want to see this become a litmus test or wedge issue for an agenda that is in some ways supportive of Israel and in other ways, I think, a political move by people who oppose the president.”
We understand NJDC’s interest in being supportive of the president. But Moline, who was the longtime rabbi of Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, certainly knows the power of words and the value of careful diplomacy. He also knows that much of the most effective diplomacy is played out behind the scenes rather than in the press, and that quiet diplomacy usually trumps bellicose advocacy. Moline has since apologized to AJC. But the fact remains that his choice to attack AIPAC and AJC in the press shows questionable judgment — especially on an issue that is as
sensitive and relevant to the future of the state of Israel as Iran’s nuclear program.
@NeverFrgetRabbi · 3 hours ago
As former head of RABBIS FOR ROMNEY I have had numerous disagreements with Rabbi MOLINE who in my opinion is a hit man for Obama . Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg
Bernhard Rosenberg · Rabbi at Congregation Beth El
He is the RABBI WISE OF I938. speak out.
Man is not born good. He must become good – by learning that there is another beside him and a Creator above him.
Evil and unwarranted hatred are a reality that exists in our world. The human being has an infinite capacity for evil that, left unchecked, can destroy the world.
The Torah itself tells us that the “impulse of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Gen 8:21). Man is not born good. He has to become good – by forging his character, by bending his baser instincts, by learning that there is another beside him and an Other above him.
The Holocaust shows what can become of human beings when they permit the beast within them to control them.
It teaches us that we must be alert to the existence of evil, both in others and in our own selves. Once we are aware of its reality, we can work to uproot it. The mitzvot of the Torah are designed to help the spiritual qualities within us dominate the beast within.
Further, we learn from this tragedy that to be silent in the face of evil is to acquiesce in it, encourage it, and help it grow strong. History teaches us that evil triumphs when good people remain silent. But when good people rise up against evil, evil will ultimately perish and the good will prevail.
RABBI DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG
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· Unfollow Post · 20 hours ago
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Bernhard Rosenberg · Rabbi at Congregation Beth El
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg SAYS President Obama You Have Some Nerve. ISRAEL Will Not LISTEN To You : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig8c795KymA#t=63
Trying to speak to Roosevelt behind closed doors didn’t help the Jews of Europe, 6,000,000 Jews were slaughtered, murdered, burned, vanished!
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Speak Up!
‘Trying to speak to Roosevelt behind closed doors didn’t help the Jews of Europe’
Official in Prime Minister’s Office reacts angrily to accusations that Israeli leadership harming strategic ties with Obama administration: Seventy-five years ago, the Jews tried to talk with Roosevelt, and that did not really help the Jews of Europe.”
If Israel is destroyed another Holocaust will have happened. Sis million Jews perished while the world abandoned us. Among the murdered was my family. American Jews speak out before it is too late.
Downplaying the Holocaust — Sulzberger & NY Times: Anna Blech at TEDxHunterCCS – YouTube In my book “CONTEMPLATING THE HOLOCAUST” I have entire chapter on this subject. Israel is in trouble and we listen to Obama and others who have interests OTHER than saving ISRAEL from destruction. . Let us stop being politically correct and protect . Israel.. RABBI DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG
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· Unfollow Post · January 16 at 8:31am
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Bernhard Rosenberg · Rabbi at Congregation Beth El
As former head of RABBIS FOR ROMNEY I have had numerous disagreements with Rabbi MOLINE who in my opinion is a hit man for Obama . Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg