I entered the rabbinate to make a change in the world. As a Holocaust survivors’ kid I wanted to make “never again” a reality. For more than 41 years as a rabbi, I have been outspoken on radio, TV the press, Facebook, my published books and the pulpit. Do I recommend that young rabbis and seminary graduates do this? My answer is absolutely “no.” This is a recipe for being fired, being attacked in the press and having few friends. People consider you a loose cannon.
However, some of us are born with the desire to make changes and feel that politics is essential in the rabbinate. Firing a rabbi who is excellent in the pulpit happens often for many reasons including a congregant or board who want him or her out for a political statement or action.
At first I was bullied by most rabbis for supporting President Trump. Even the other day I was called Hitler for not giving up my continued support. As a child of Holocaust survivors I find this disgusting but will not give up the fight for his re-election as president of the United States.
I pray for all of us rabbis who give our lives to our congregations and in the end get the shaft. I write this to give encouragement to rabbis who are outspoken and politically active. I am certain most will disagree with me and will state there should be separation between the pulpit and religion.
I am now retired and if I had to do it all over again, I would have tried to learn from my mistakes, however I would have remained outspoken. A special merit should go to all the rabbis’ wives and their families, and especially to those whose parents and spouses are outspoken.
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg
Edison, New Jersey
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Chronicle.
Retired Rabbi Rosenberg recently launched a new book, “Holocaust Survivors & Their Families: Remember, Reflect and Reminisce.” The book consists of a collection of remembrances from families and friends of those who faced the tragic reality of the Nazi regime. The book is available in paperback and Kindle format through Amazon.
