More than two dozen Connecticut rabbis have written a letter aimed at convincing Senator Joe Lieberman to reconsider his position on health care reform.
"I think the basic message is that taking care of those in need is really one of the basic tenets and principles of the Jewish religion," Rabbi Carl Astor told The Day of New London. "That's what we've been taught since childhood. And he's an observant Jew. He's got to make a decision as a United States Senator, but there are just certain values that transcend politics, and we thought in this case maybe, as rabbis, it would be good to remind him of that."
Astor, from Congregation Beth El in New London, was one of 29 rabbis who signed the letter, which says, in part, "As rabbis and Jews, we are commanded to seek the welfare and healing of all those in our midst, especially the weak, especially the vulnerable. We are taught to care for justice - and a system that leaves millions of Americans uninsured and under-insured is far from just."
It is an appeal aimed at the heart of a man who's made no secret of his observance of his faith. Just last weekend, Lieberman walked several miles through the December cold to cast a vote during a rare Saturday session, since he does not use a car on the Sabbath.
The senator did not comment on the letter, but his staff issued a written statement saying that Lieberman is seeking to broaden coverage but is wary of the costs.
