A coalition of rabbis representing Jews throughout America -- cutting a wide swath of Orthodox Judaism, from the Modern Orthodox left to the ultra-Orthodox right -- have united to back the candidacy of Republican Texas senator Ted Cruz for president, JewishWorldReview.com can exclusively report.
For church-state reasons, the rabbis are signing their "open letter" independent of their congregational, educational and social organizations. Collectively, however, they represent a significant constituency from coast to coast; up to 10,000 people.
"Rabbis generally avoid political affiliation or endorsement," said Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt of Dallas, who helped organize the group. "The pursuit of power is often paved with platitudes and false promises, and those committed to furthering Judeo values often feel a genuine discomfort in political environments."
But, he added, today's times are different. "With the the Middle East and Europe unraveling and the United States stepping back from its role as a check against the expansion of evil, rabbis from Coast to Coast are sensing the need to weigh in on the issues of the day, including choosing a man they feel is most articulate and consistent in expressing the core values they hold dear."
Judaism's Festival of Lights was chosen for the endorsement because the undersigned write they are drawing inspiration and strength from the holiday's heroes, the Maccabees.
"In the spirit of Chanukah, when a small group inspired a tired populace to combat and defeat tyranny, we pray that [Cruz's] voice finds resonance, his spirit finds strength, and that the people of this great, moral nation once again feel great, become great, and spread the light of liberty, the message of morality throughout the world," they write.
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ENDORSEMENT : DECEMBER 2015 : Senator Ted Cruz
Once stable and predictable, the world has become chaotic and dangerous. The Middle East is aflame, Europe is adrift, and the United States is unsure of its moral mission.
The Judeo-Christian ethic, once the ethos that made America a beacon of freedom and morality throughout the world, is being eroded and replaced by Secularism.
The former value system celebrated God, family and country; it revered hard work, self-reliance, and an obligation to contribute to society. It saw spreading freedom to dark places of the world as a bedrock mission. And it saw the State of Israel as a soul-mate, the ambassador of shared values to the Middle East.
By contrast, Secularism celebrates the breaking of mores, the devolution of family, and the undermining of symbols of discipline and dignity. It is hostile to Israel and pleasant to those who seek her destruction.
Pushing back against destructive cultural trends and reversing them, takes a very special leader. The individual must be fearless, articulate, a person of faith who understands the premise and promise of America. He must be someone who understands the threat of radical Islam, and capable of inspiring the masses to return to spirit and purpose.
Not reprsenting any religious institution but wholeheartedly representing the value to which we have dedicated our lives, we the undersigned rabbis have reviewed the field of candidates and endorse Senator Ted Cruz for President of the United States. He is the most articulate and passionate delegate of the values we hold dear; he is fearless and unwavering in these core beliefs. He is resolute toward defending our values and has consistently displayed the courage of his convictions.
In the spirit of Chanukah, when a small group inspired a tired populace to combat and defeat tyranny, we pray that his voice find resonance, his spirit find strength, and that the people of this great, moral nation once again feel great, become great, and spread the light of liberty, the message of morality throughout the world.
Information: to join, please email yrosenblatt@gmail.com
Rabbi Elchanan AisenstarkDetroit, MI
Rabbi Ahron Dov BarkanyMiami Beach, FL
Rabbi Hanania BenklifaDallas, TX
Rabbi Yaakov BergerLakewood, N]
Rabbi Abraham BlochSaint Louis, MO
Rabbi Michael BodeheimerDallas, Texas
Rabbi Dr. Zeev (William) BrownFar Rockaway, NY
Rabbi Benzion BuchmanBrooklyn, NY
Rabbi Jeremy CassiusDallas, TX
Rabbi David CederStaten Island, NY
Rabbi Samuel ChazanowLos Angeles, CA
Rabbi Yosef ChazanowLos Angeles, CA
Rabbi Nosson DubinHouston, TX
Rabbi Michael FriedmanDallas, TX
Rabbi Yisroel GrumanChicago, IL
Rabbi Avrohom JurkowitzQueens, NY
Rabbi Moshe KaganLos Angeles, CA
Rabbi Yekusiel KalmensonLos Angeles, CA
Rabbi Herzel Kranz Silver Spring, MD
Rabbi Simcha MerkinSilver Spring, MD
Rabbi Yaakov PalachikHouston, TX
Rabbi Shlomo PollakLakewood, NJ
Rabbi Harold ReichmanNew York, NY
Rabbi Yaakov RosenblattDallas, TX
Rabbi Jonathan SchickBergenfield NJ
Rabbi David ShanikLakewood, NJ
Rabbi Maximo ShechetOmaha, NE
Rabbi Joseph E. SkaistDallas, TX
Rabbi Yisrael WeissEdison, NJ
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Binyamin L. Jolkovsky is Jewish World Review's Editor in Chief.
