It’s rare for the State of Connecticut to be center of the news as it is today — and not for any sensationalized reason, mind you.
Indeed, although I refer to the late Senator Joe Lieberman's passing, politics doesn’t play into it one iota. He’s in the news for how he conducted his life, not his policies. His policies merely reflected his principles. Yes, rare for politicians and rare for most people in general.
Incredibly, alongside all his achievements, he wrote a book called, “The Gift of Rest — Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath”.
When asked how he can stop all your work as a senator to to observe the Sabbath each week— he answered, “how could I do all my work as a senator if I did not stop to observe Sabbath each week”.?
But the news isn’t extolling his virtues because of his book about Shabbat, it’s all about the way he lived his life — principles based on the Torah and tradition. It speaks volumes about the country we live in. Almost elected Vice President of this country, yet “shomer Shabbat”, a meticulous Shabbos observer and appreciator! A true guiding light to the Jewish community of how to retain identity, Jewish pride, strength & leadership.
If I were to ask him a question - I’d have asked him how he managed to navigate the highest halls of power and retain his identity, principles and pride. A feat that is incredible and something that our generation and our kids generation have a serious challenge with.
Yet I think know what his answer would be…
At the end of the day, it’s really not about Joe Lieberman, it’s about me and you and how we live and transmit the values and principles as they were handed down through the Torah and gifted to us through the Mitzvoth ensuring the unbroken chain of tradition that dates back to Abraham and Sarah thousands of years ago. Joe was a worthy emissary to share the power of our tradition with his passing — each of us have a worthy example to emulate — may his memory be for a blessing!!
With best wishes for enhanced Shabbat celebration,
P.S. A hearty Mazaltov to Miri Kantor on her wedding this past week to Tzvi Dubrawsky. We are so proud of you. In addition, Dina and I would like to THANK the greater Westport community for being such a formative and loving part of her journey!! Mazaltov!!