Blessings at the DNC

David A. Harris — May 4, 2011 – 5:30 pm | Democrats Comments (2) Add a comment

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the newly confirmed Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), just gaveled her first session to a close here at the DNC. But before she did, her personal rabbi from B’nai Aviv Synagogue in Weston, FL, Rabbi Samuel S. Kieffer spoke to the crowd and blessed Wasserman Schultz and her family as she begins her new role as the head of the Democratic Party.

During his remarks, Kieffer recalled the spirit of national unity that was present in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and called on those in attendance and all Americans to conduct themselves in a similar manner now that Osama Bin Laden—the mastermind of the attacks—has received the physical justice he deserved.

He spoke about the need for unity as a prelude to calling for civility in our political discourse, which over the last few years has deteriorated to an unfortunate point. Specifically, Kieffer urged all of us in politics, including those not at the DNC today, to not view our opponents as “enemies” so that we can remove some of the hostility and vitriol from politics.

Kieffer also spoke about his pride in being an American and, in so many ways, captured the sense of civic and patriotic pride held by all of us in attendance as we watched a member of our community ascend to one of the most important political positions in the country.

He called on Wasserman Schultz to inspire us through her leadership and he concluded his remarks by blessing Wasserman Schultz. He invoked the priestly benediction and quoted the Torah while referring to Wasserman Schultz by her Hebrew name.

Surely, this was a unique addition to the confirmation ceremony today and it speaks volumes about the positive and intimate relationship between American Jews and the Democratic Party. 

David A. Harris is the President and CEO of the National Jewish Democratic Council

Click here to sign a card congratulating Rep. Wasserman Schultz on her new role!

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