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Orthodox Rabbi Criticized For Participating In National Prayer Service

By Howard M. Friedman

One of the participants in Wednesday's National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral was Orthodox Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of New York's Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. JTA reports that the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the main Modern Orthodox rabbinical association, says that Lookstein violated its rules by his participation. RCA takes the position that Orthodox Jewish law both prohibits Jews from entering a church sanctuary and precludes participation in interfaith prayer. Lookstein said that after consultation with halachic (Jewish law) experts, he decided that attendance would be appropriate to honor the President, particularly because representatives of other branches of Judaism were participating. Lookstein said that when he met Obama at the service, he thanked him for his support of Israel and, with Obama's consent, recited a traditional blessing said when one sees a king or national ruler.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 23, 2009 (boomark / email).