Senator Joe Lieberman was from a disappearing breed of politicians and statesmen
Senator Joseph Lieberman, who died unexpectedly last Wednesday following complications from a fall, was a man of extraordinary character, grace, humility, and devotion to his family, nation, and G-d. We were close friends, and we studied Torah together for decades. We studied together the previous Friday and set up a time to do so again last Friday. Instead, tragically, last Friday I attended his funeral.
Senator Lieberman’s life and work were distinguished by his integrity, his adherence to principle, and his moderation. Sadly, he was from a disappearing breed of politicians and statesmen. He was known for his commitment to bipartisanship and his friendships with both Republicans and Democrats; together, he and his Republican friends Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham were known as “the Three Amigos.”
Senator Graham once told me that when he grew up, he wanted to be like Senator Lieberman. Senator McCain and Senator Lieberman would often travel together on Senate business. On one such trip, McCain told me, he woke up to find Senator Lieberman wrapped in tefillin, praying. McCain said he thought he had died and gone to heaven. On another occasion, Senator McCain, in his colorful military language, expressed his frustration at having to ride with Senator Lieberman on a Sabbath elevator that stopped at every floor.
Shabbos was in fact central to Senator Lieberman’s identity. If he had to vote on Shabbos, he would walk to the Senate. When he was selected as Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, Senator Lieberman was the first Orthodox Jew to achieve such prominence. But instead of being impediments, his steadfast faith and religious commitment made him a more appealing candidate, and also gave Jews and other minorities the pride to stand up for their beliefs. His book about Shabbos, The Gift of Rest, published by OU Press, is an eloquent testament to the power and meaning of this day. When it was published, I sent copies to all OU-certified companies to give them an understanding of what we are all about.
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