“The U.S. Capitol is more than a majestic building. It is the true house of the people and the home of democracy. It is the hope of the nation. You feel it when entering it doors and walking its halls. Today, it was a place of shameful violence and tyranny. Stop or we are lost.”
These were the poignant words shared by my colleague Rabbi Abba Cohen, a few hours after the horrific attack on the US Capitol last week. As the country prepares to inaugurate a new president we pray for a peaceful transition and that the Almighty in Whose hand the hearts of all earthly leaders reside, guide President-elect Biden to succeed in carrying out his awesome responsibilities in a manner that will bring great blessing to the Jewish people, to America, and to all of humankind.
- Over the last two weeks, Rabbi Cohen was appointed to a faith-based security advisory committee, celebrated key gains in the COVID relief package (see below for webinar links and an important update from the US Department of Education), spoke out against the attempt to ban schechita in Europe, and celebrated the passage of a bill to raise the profile of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
- We are excited to add Mrs. Ariella Hellman to our team as director of government affairs for our New England Office. We are also looking to hire a full time director for our New England office. Please send me resumes and suggestions.
- Our New York virtual townhall series and voter registration efforts are continuing unabated under the leadership of Rabbi Yeruchim Silber.
- Our Illinois office welcomed the first new Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in almost four decades.
- Agudah staff across the country continue to work with state and local officials to ensure that nonpublic school teachers are given equal access to COVID-19 vaccinations as their public school counterparts.
Click here to read the rest of this week’s Weekly Window newsletter
A.D.