Letter to the editor: Trump’s National Sabbath is a beacon of hope
· The Washington TimesOPINION:
As the daughter of a prominent Orthodox rabbi who served as the spiritual leader of the largest synagogue in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (the site of the filming of the Nicolas Cage film “Lord of War”), I was heartened to learn of President Trump’s recent national Sabbath proclamation, “Shabbat 250.”
The proclamation aims to encourage all American Jews to observe Shabbat this weekend, from sundown May 15 to nightfall May 16.
One might say that “Shabbat 250,” which is part of the administration’s faith-based “Rededicate 250,” sets the stage for the National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving scheduled for May 17 on the National Mall. The Sabbath, a symbol of quintessential harmony and peace, creates an ambiance that augurs well for everyone.
By preceding the exhilarating spiritual exuberance of the jubilee with the National Sabbath, Mr. Trump shows that he understands the complementarity of Christianity and Judaism and its power in encouraging patriotism.
By proclaiming a universal day for all Jews to observe the Sabbath, Mr. Trump has affirmed the American Jewish community’s worth. It’s an act that has been applauded by the Coalition for Jewish Values, Agudath Israel of America, Aish and other groups.
It’s a balm to the collective spirit, especially at a time when the Jewish community has witnessed a significant increase in antisemitic attacks.
“Shabbat 250” serves another purpose in addition to showing parity of religion: By publicly proclaiming a national Sabbath, a day on which all Jews should cease prohibited activity, we are given an opportune moment to share the beauty of the Sabbath.
President Trump’s call for a national Sabbath both honors Jewish heritage and allows Americans of all faiths to come together for the shared purpose of restoring hope, faith and trust in our nation.
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AMY NEUSTEIN
Co-author, “From Madness to Mutiny”
Fort Lee, New Jersey