November 2016
Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777
From the Rabbi’s Study… The following article is based on a sermon delivered at Temple Israel on Yom Kippur 2016. Early in my career, my great uncle, Rabbi Israel Poleyoff, advised me against preaching about partisan politics from the Bimah. David, he said, religion and partisan politics is a difficult mix. The Internal Revenue Service agrees with my uncle. The IRS code states "All section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes." This portion of the tax code has become known as the Johnson Amendment as it is based on an amendment to the code proposed in 1954 by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. Although the Johnson Amendment is honored in its breach rather than its observance, I would not like Temple Israel to be the IRS test case. The reality of our upcoming Presidential election has demonstrated that religion does play a factor in American politics. Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have selected running mates that are strategically positioned to appeal to the religious right. The Hillary campaign has made a point of showcasing Tim Kaine's work as a Jesuit missionary. The Trump campaign has also capitalized on the religious convictions portrayed by their Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence. His stance on Roe versus Wade, sex education, and other issues are all portrayed in a religious context. The republican platform calls for the reversal of the Johnson Amendment with these words “Republicans believe the federal government, specifically the IRS, is constitutionally prohibited from policing or censoring speech based on religious convictions or beliefs, and therefore we urge the repeal of the Johnson Amendment.” The emphasis upon religion and religious values makes us nervous. When religion and government mix, it has never been good for the Jews. We view ourselves as a small and vulnerable minority that has thrived because of the “wall of separation between church and state”.
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Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, November 4th, 6:15pm
Hebrew School Pancake Breakfast Sunday, Nov 6th, 8:15-10am, Social Hall
Congregational Trip to Israel November 3rd—November 17th
Veteran’s Day Memorial Service Friday, November 11th 11am, Banfield Road Cemetery
Adult Ed Parenting Discussion Group Sunday, Nov 13th, 9:15-10:45am, Library
NJOP Hebrew Workshop Sunday, Nov 13th, 9:30am-12:30pm, Social Hall
New Member Brunch Sunday, Nov 20th, 10-11:30am, Social Hall All are welcome, RSVP required
Youth Group Glow Golf & Laser Maze Sunday, Nov 20th, 12-3pm
Sisterhood Speaker: Author Mary Fillmore ‘An Address in Amsterdam’ Sunday, Nov 20th, 1-3pm, Social Hall
Board Meeting Tuesday, Nov 22nd, 7pm, Board Room
Thanksgiving Break Nov 23th-27th, No Hebrew School, No Preschool, Temple Office Closed