Faith

Is Popular Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Making a Run for Congress?

Celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Running for Congress?The popular rabbi known to some as “America’s Rabbi” just made New Jersey’s newly-formed 9th congressional district race a little more interesting. Best known for his book “Kosher Sex,” his television show “Shalom in the Home,” and his, for a time, spiritually advising Michael Jackson, Orthodox Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has thrown his name – or as he says “yarmulke” – in as a possible candidate for the Republican primary.

Boteach sent a letter of intent to Bergen County Republican Organization’s (BCRO) offices before the January 31st deadline stating that he is considering running, according to “PolitickerNJ.”

The letter of intent doesn’t mean he’s running for certain, as Boteach said via Twitter on February 3rd:

Celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Running for Congress?The next day he sounded more resolute:

Celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Running for Congress?Boteach laid out his reasons for considering a House run in his Jerusalem Post column, revealing he turned down an offer in 2008 from then-candidate Barack Obama to co-chair “Rabbis for Obama,” because he disagreed with him on too many issues:

And now, in the same spirit, I have cast my yarmulke into the ring by declaring my desire to seek the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s ninth district where I live. I am now actively exploring the viability of my candidacy and my ability to integrate existing responsibilities into the considerable effort a successful candidacy will entail.

Why would a rabbi run for Congress? Because the problems we’re seeing in our great nation are not caused by an economic downturn but by a values erosion, and I intend to be the values voice that Congress so desperately needs.

The values that have dominated the American political landscape for decades are the American obsession with gay marriage and abortion, to the exclusion of nearly all others, which explains why our country is so incredibly religious yet so seemingly decadent. It’s time to expand the values conversation and policy agenda.

Detailing his platform, he described his plan to save the institution of marriage by promoting legislation to make marital counseling tax-deductible. As the son of divorced parents, his show “Shalom in the Home” aimed to keep families together. He mapped out his ideas to combat materialism on which he blames the economic collapse and supports a moment of silence in public schools:

And while we’re at it, let’s consider legislation to recreate an American Sabbath so parents have an incentive to take their kids to a park rather than teaching them to find satisfaction in the impulse purchase. Bergen County, where I live, has Blue Laws that keep shopping malls shut on Sundays allowing families to coalesce around the dinner table rather than the department store.

Beyond helping the family this will also help counter the growing materialism that continues to poison the American soul leading to the near-collapse of a $10 trillion economy just three years ago when we had homes that were never large enough, cars that were never new enough, and designer labels that were never fashionable enough.

Eighty-one percent of 18- to 25-year-olds surveyed in a Pew Research Center poll said getting rich is their generation’s most important or second-most-important life goal, while 51% said the same about being famous. I am pro-wealth, but only when it is consecrated to a goal higher than mere consumption. That is why I propose a moment of silence to start the day in public schools so children are given time to reflect on issues and a Being larger than themselves.

Boteach says he believes in the separation of church and state, but not “chasing God from public life.” He supports a flat tax, school vouchers, values-based education and a dress code in public schools. On foreign policy, he believes “President Obama has allowed America’s global leadership to seriously weaken.” On the Middle East, he wrote:

…it seems that under our president’s watch Iran will build a nuclear weapon. I will push for and support the drastic measures necessary to ensure that so dangerous and murderous a regime never acquires a doomsday device.

President Obama has, thankfully, reversed course on his unfair pressure on Israel and deserves credit for increasing military and intelligence cooperation with the Jewish state. But who is to say that this has not happened because of his shellacking in the 2010 midterm elections and that the pressure won’t resume if reelected? For this reason, and because Israel is America’s most stalwart and reliable ally – championing American-democratic ideals in the world’s most dangerous region – I intend to be Israel’s staunchest supporter in the United States Congress, should the good people of the New Jersey’s ninth district see fit to choose me as their representative.

Boteach told the Jewish Standard he will base his decision on his ability to recruit the funds necessary to launch a race he estimates as requiring at least a million dollars

Boteach has authored many books including the best-selling “Kosher Sex” and “Kosher Adultery – Seduce and Sin with Your Spouse.” His latest book, “Kosher Jesus” has garnered controversy among some rabbis, one of whom called it heretical. According to Boteach, the book aims:

to offer to Jews and Christians the real story of Jesus, a wholly observant, Pharisaic Rabbi who fought Roman paganism and oppression and was killed for it. While many Christians will be confused by its assertion that Jesus never claimed divinity and not only did not abrogate the Torah but observed every letter of the Law, they will find comfort in my tracing most of Jesus principal teachings back to Jewish sources, this before he was stripped of his Jewishness by later writers who sought to portray him as an enemy of his people. This is especially true of Jesus’ most famous oration, the Sermon on the Mount, which is a reformulation of the Torah he studied and to which he was committed.

Boteach has close relations with evangelical Christians. In 2004, he wrote:

I am a Jew who is deeply in love with evangelical Christians. Although I am at odds with them on various issues, they today constitute the most potent force for good in all America, and the most influential constituency who consistently demands that America be a nation of justice, standing up for the persecuted and living up to its founding ideals of serving as a global beacon of freedom.

If he runs, Boteach will face the Democratic primary winner – either Rep. Steve Rothman or Rep. Bill Pascrell. Two other Republican candidates submitted letters of intent according to PolitickerNJ: Blase Billack of Saddle River, an associate professor of pharmacology at St. John’s University, and Bruce Wrede of Saddle River, senior technician at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.

Boteach is the father of nine children, including a son who was nominated to West Point and a daughter who is set to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. About a month ago, the rabbi’s name was floated as a possible choice for chief rabbi of the UK. He has been a guest on the Glenn Beck Program on GBTV, most recently in September.

Comments (29)

  • Christopher London
    Posted on February 17, 2012 at 2:31pm

    Rabbi Shmuley, in his condemnation of Governor Christie‘s decision to fly the flags at half mast in New Jersey during the funeral for Newark’s Native Whitney Houston, exposed this charlatan as a spiritual tool, a con artist and a huckster who engaged in verbal mishagas to disparage a local treasure. Sometimes some people just need to shut up. This was one of those times. Put a fork in Shmuley because he is done.

    Report Post »  
  • vampiric aristocracy
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:48pm

    Letem run.

    Report Post » vampiric aristocracy  
  • suz
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:13pm

    RUN — we need more jews in government to irritate the sh_t out of bho and all his islamist friends.

    Report Post » suz  
  • Endstatism
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 12:19pm

    Would love to see Rabbi Boteach run for office and win. We need more voices of morality and common sense.

    Report Post » Endstatism  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 1:10pm

      Next… Muslim Congressmen to support the Caliphate!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • VicksVaporub
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 4:05pm

      Is there anything Boteach won’t say do or write a book about for attention?

      Report Post » VicksVaporub  
    • KAdams
      Posted on February 8, 2012 at 11:00am

      We already have Keith Ellison D-MN

      Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:22am

    I hope he runs and wins. When I was young stores were closed on Sunday. Some things were open-gas stations, resturants(some), tiny stores(mom and pop type), but most everything was closed. I remember Sunday as the most wonderfull day of the week, everyone was home-no one had to work, great Sunday Dinners, often with other family visiting, just feeling free of the week. I think this country would be healthier mentaly for a peacefull day. It wasen’t all about going to church, although we did, it was about slowing down and resting for the upcoming week, doing nothing, which was wonderfully calming. Try to close your eyes and imagine a truely quiet, peacefull, day, with zero pressure.

    Report Post »  
    • KAdams
      Posted on February 8, 2012 at 11:01am

      Why do you think God established a sabbath? Even though it’s Saturday, instead of Sunday; even God rested after 6 days of work.

      Report Post »  
  • Lemmy
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:36am

    Go Shmuley!

    Report Post » Lemmy  
  • discus02
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:09am

    Bravo for the Rabbi!

    Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:16am

      wow-a no holds barred 21st c genocidist [an anti-semite-against arab /muslims].He’s no different then the propagandists in rwanda egging the people on prior to that genocide.

      Report Post »  
    • Red1492
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:58am

      Rose-Ellen, do us all a favor and move to Saudi Arabia.

      Report Post » Red1492  
    • Regdunlop
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:07am

      You know that Rose only posts her garbage to get a reaction right? She is either a troll/bot or she is insane/stupid. Either way, the best way to get her/him/it to go away is to just ignore it. Rose will post anything outrageous in hopes that someone will respond. Don’t give in.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:35am

    If he feels his direction is to go for a seat in Congress then all the better for him; the people will decide if they want him or not.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 7:27am

    Legislate the Sabbath and marriage? No thanks. I do not want Facism..The Government needs to be out of religion, not in it with both feet.

    If you fall for this guy just call yourself a facist.I am an evangelical. I do not want my religion or any other religion legislated. Doesnt anyone understand the Constitution?

    We need LESS Government not More!!

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:03am

      I would suggest this is more than fascism, it is the mark of the beast(Rome). Not only should this not happen, but all remaining “blue laws” should be repealed as they constitute an establishment of religion. 

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:27am

      The Government keeps trying to legislate morality instead of protecting us from evildoers. Laws should be made to punish not to control. Make the punishment harsh and final to fit the crime then we will have no use for the other laws.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:16am

      BADDOGGY,
      I say RUN RABBI …,RUN!
      Your post makes no sense!
      Do you not realize “EVILDOERS” multiply in an amoral society?!

      Perhaps you should research Congressn Pascrell.
      BTW…,did you read the story? Did I miss something?
      Did the Rabbi say he was going to LEGISLATE morality?

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:18am

      Another genocidal anti-semite[against arab/muslims this time].The republican party is saturated with these genocidal propagandists.israel wants more land.

       
    • john141714
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:22am

      The only thing I saw was legislation to make marital counseling tax-deductible. And as far as religion being out of gov. I find that nowhere in the constitution I know that congress shall pass no law establishing a religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:50am

      @ROSE ELLEN,

      Dear GOD in heaven SKUNK CABBAGE(aka ROSE)….,have your lying eyes ever looked at a World Atlas?
      Israel wants more land?
      Yeah…,those Israelis…,such greedy land grubbers!

      Why don’t you check out the Russian General story. He’s looking “for a few good men”.
      You fit the bill. I’ll bet it pays well too.

      It’s a win win for you Skunk Ellen. You‘ll be doing what you do best AND you’ll be off the DOLE.
      Ya know..,got that paycheck!

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 12:48pm

      So maybe we shouldn’t elect Christians either because they might make baptism mandatory. Your argument is idiotic. It‘s not like you’d be electing a Haredi. Judaism doesn’t require that non-Jews follow Jewish Law at all (something not true of all forms of Christianity). Why would an Orthodox Rabbi impose those laws on a largely non-Jewish constituency.
      @ROSE
      Where did the story even speak of Muslims/Arabs? How would you know if he hates them? Or is it that you just assumed all Jews hate Arabs? We have a word for that Rose; it’s called stereotyping, and it usually goes hand in hand with racism/antisemitism. Maybe it’s you who hates all Jews.

      Report Post »  
    • RagingJudge
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 4:50pm

      I like the Rabbi’s dedication to morality, but I agree that you should not do things such as enact a Sabbath law. You cannot legislate someone into being moral and spending time with their family. They have to make the effort themselves after coming to their OWN conclusions on what’s right and wrong. The only thing a public figure can do is try to change the rhetoric back to a time when religion and morality weren’t under such heavy siege. The only way to change the world is to set the example, and those who are able to see what is righteous will follow.

      Report Post » RagingJudge  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:15pm

      i’ve heard him speak his anti-arab/muslim propaganda countless times on the radio. i know whereof i speak-he’s a 21stc genocidal propagandist.Israel could use more land.

      Report Post »  
    • KAdams
      Posted on February 8, 2012 at 11:07am

      No, Tzion, we’re not as stupid as you are appearing to be. We know this nation is doomed; we also know not to throw our pearls before swine. If you don’t want to hear the truth,(spare me your Jewish drivel, your Messiah as come, died and risen, yet you still don’t see), then don’t come to Christian/conservative forums. I don’t go the Jew spew websites, well, I do check out one every now and again and it’s not spew, but you’d probably call them heretics.

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 8, 2012 at 11:14am

      @Kadams
      If you have such a problem with Jews, why do you post on a site created by a man who says people should stand with Israel and the Jews. No where is it established that this is a Christian site and nowhere it written that a Jew can’t be a conservative politically.

      Report Post »  
  • Janimal
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 7:13am

    It says the 9th Congressional District – that is where I live right now – they are doing away with the 9th – woo hoooo and it is being divided it between Scott Garrett (where I will be) and Pascrell’s. Rothman, my current Congressman is running against Pascrell and don’t know who the Republican will be – but Garrett is about as Conservative as you can get and I’m sure the BCRO would discourage him running against Garrett. I don’t want him running against Garrett. I’m thrilled that I will no longer be represented by that Socialist Rothman.

    Report Post »  
  • dannyo
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 7:04am

    i will find the democrat way for voting for this guy in his n.j. district even theough i live in missouri..

    Report Post »  

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