Most American Jews strongly support Israel. So do many Republicans. And so do many Democrats. American Jews should and do seek strong allies on both sides of the aisle in the foreign policy space. Many American Jews also strongly support the separation of church and state in the US. Sadly, many right-wing "social" policies are openly intended to make the US "a more "Christian country" and make Christianity the most active force in American politics. Many American Jews oppose such efforts, which will ultimately be bad both for us and for Israel. In addition, many American Jews, who believe the US *is* a force for good in the world, are also concerned that GOP arrogance, blindness, corruption and outright incompetence over the last 6 years have severely weakened the US, and that this has increased the danger of the position in which Israel finds itself. I completely agree that there are anti-Semites on the left as well as the right. I completely agree that the anti-Semitism of the far left, which hates the US and Israel and makes excuses for the terrorism of Islamists, poses an important threat. However, please understand when I tell you that you need to learn more about American Jews before you tell them how to vote. ;-)

According to all major polls in all recent years, most American Jews don't support anything Jewish and those who support Israel are a small, and dwindling, minority. Your fears of Republicans wanting to turn America into a Christian theocracy is nothing short of neurotic. I was born and raised in evangelical Christianity and American Jews are a minority who are clueless in this respect. American Jews see anti-Semitism where it often doesn't exist and is hardly more frequently present than hatred for blacks, Hispanics or any other minority. In the guise of "separation of church and state" too many "Barbra Streisand" American Jews use that banner to trample morality in their unrestrained pursuit of greed and hedonism. Christian or Muslim morals, either one, are vastly superior to the unrestrained immorality and hedonism of non-Orthodox American Jews!!! About half of Americans are fed up with the downward spiral into immorality -- including by Republicans, which is the primary cause of the great argument currently playing out -- and the unrestrained immorality and hedonism championed by American non-Orthodox Jews under the false banner of "separation of church and state." Such "Jews" are justifiably despised -- by American Christians, by Muslims everywhere and, if they are intelligent and responsible, by Orthodox American Jews. I'm an American vet, Zvi. Are you? If not, then you haven't "stood" for America so stop being presumptuous and sanctimonious representing that America stands for unrestrained immorality and hedonism -- like Barbra Streisand and those who idolize her. Paqid Yirmeyahu Israeli Orthodox Jew Advancing Logic as Halakhic Authority Welcoming Jews & non-Jews www.netzarim.co.il

Finally you have spoken out about the elephant in the room. The left has become increasingly anti-Semetic and we must not help them in their quest to demonize Israel or the Jews. I think you will notice a big change in the Jewish voting pattern this coming election.

Dear (T)zvi, here is a short lesson on Americans and American Jews. The vast majority of Americans are Christian, mostly Protestant, and family oriented. They have a good life. Most have come from Immigrant Families, worked hard, and enjoy a good life. Family values are important and they work to insure their children will have opportunities--many send their children to college. Most of these people want more value in their government (they know that as a rule, politicians are not forthright). Many American Jews have grown accustomed to this lifestyle and want it for themselves, too. Most American Jews, therefore, have adapted their lifestyle to be like the majority, and have dropped traditions that inhibit integration to that society--as found in customs of intermarriage, low fertility, and an almost complete lack of familiarity with the Bible (both Christian and Jewish). Over time, through attrition and negative birthrates, the American Jewish Community will disappear. As for the policies of liberals and conservatives--a large portion of the current imbalance in the Middle East dates from the presidential policies of James Carter. An open Baptist and filled with Christian zeal, Jimmy misread completely the demands of his time and how to deal with Iran, the FORMER Soviet Union, rabbits, and how to run a marathon. There was very little separation of Jimmy's theology from his statecraft. Similarly, another Southern Baptist had similar problems separating theology and politics; however, Mr. Clinton also had an issue with truthfulness and sexual boundaries. In short, the American Jewish community, is a lot like the American community at large--very heterogeneous and open to discussion of any sort. The motto of the Unitied States is "In God We Trust", which is not bad advise for anyone, regardless of political party or creed. I applaud you choice of first names; however, you might want to take a lesson from the Founding Fathers of this great nation and read you Bible and listen to the words of the sages periodically.

I have tried to understand the strong Jewish support for the U.S. Democratic party and can not understand it at all. At best it is counter productive; at worst, self destructive. Can you imagine the state of the world had weak willed Al Gore been president at 9/11? How about the indesiveness of John Kerry? Would we have troups in Iraq? Maybe not. Would the world be a safer place? Not a chance!! Is it better to appease our enemies or poke them in the eye while we still can? I have heard of Jewish elders in 1930's Germany saying "Give them what they want and they will leave us alone". It didn't work then, it will not work now. Which party truely best supports Jewish interests and the interests of Israel?

Today we can fight anti-semitism both with our brains and,if necessary, with our weapons. Liberals are naive and leftists have no respect, neither for Jews or for Israel. We will show them otherwise! Shabat Shalom to Israel.

because they can, it's 'safe' and politically correct and they can afford to. In Israel it's a different situation altogether: To take essential action there is a need for broad consensus which includes the 'Zionist Left' who still enjoy what's left of the glory of their great achievements of the distant past.

The first duty of an American Jew is to do what is best for the United States. Republican control, under right wing ideologues, has done great harm to to U.S. and the rest of the world. We must do everything possible to get rid of it. There are anti-Zionists in the Left but they do not control the Democratic Party.

As more and more american jews succeeed and become wealthy - they turn to the republican party so that their wealth is secured. This goes against the jewish principle of tikun olam and social justice which is the main reason that most US jews are STILL democrats. There is anti-semitism on both sides of the political spectrum, but only the democrats do not think of their oil interests first when dealing with the middle east.

I was born and raised as a northeast liberal Yankee Jew who had all the stereotypes of the Right Wing Christians and Snake Handlers and, shudder to think, BAPTISTS! that would steal my soul and my country if we weren't always on the lookout. I then found myself moving to Georgia. Heavens, I was moving into Newt Gingrich's district of all places, followed by Bob Barr. Oh My God! However, after being here a while, and especially after September 11, I find that my old stereotypes were nothing more than prejudices going the other way. With all I've learned since that fateful day, issues both foreign and domestic, the fears that Zvi states are false. Yes, America IS a Christian country and frankly I'm glad of it, especially compared with the post-Christian Europe. The Christians I know are neither antisemetic nor do they want a theocracy, they simply want to have a place to raise their kids with their values, which, to tell you the truth, are pretty good values. Yes, there are many who, like the president of one of the Baptist conventions say "God doesn't hear the prayers of the Jews, but who cares?" He's wrong. American Jews had better wake up to the party that would not repudiate Al Sharpton during his quest back in '04. There is more crap coming from the left today than the right. See Zombietime if you don't believe me.

First of all, I just want to say that I more than anyone clearly recognize the anti-Semitism that too often is disguised as anti-Zionism among those elements of the left. I'm a university student , and I face this quite often and I always fight back against anything that I find inappropriate and offensive. Call me a cynic if you will, but those who believe that the Republican party carries the interests of the Jewish people and Israel as a high priority are fooling themselves. I'm not saying that Democrats are Israel's best friends either. They're not. But Republicans are certainly no better. Just look at what the Bush administration stated today about how Israel must halt their surveillance flights over Lebanon immediately. This is not something an ally of Israel would do. And of course America is nation compromised of mainly Christians. But I'm not even going to get into the whole Christian values thing right now. Let me just ask this, how come there aren't more right wing American Jews making aliyah? If they are such gung ho Zionists, why don't they step up and be REAL ZIONISTS and make aliyah?

Amy Goodman Noam Chomski Jeff Blankfort Finklestein all have caught the left wing varity of anti semitism in my book vote Republican and send the Soros a message

Thank you rabbi for this cucial reminder at this the appropriate moment before elections in the United States. Jews were historiclly affiliated with the Democratic Party because the mass immigration of Jews to the U.S. at the late 19th and early 20th century included a large number of individuals with radical left winf views. Those that followed were often swallowed up into the Democratic Party because in many Jewish circles it was unexceptable to be Republican. The first significant brake with this mode was the apearance of Ronald Reagen on the political scene who was a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people.

It is the same story in Britain. Even some Jewish stalwarts of the Labour movement in Britain are now publically admitting that the progressive left is now infected with the virus of anti-Semitism. The progressive left is now by far the worst source of anti-Semitism in the guise of "criticism" of Israel and, unfortunately, certain elements of the Jewish world seem blissfully ignorant that they are playing a pivotal role in legitimizing this "criticism" by ceaseless carping and complaint about Israel. This derives first from a proprietorial reflex with regard to Israel: in an untenable attitude of ideological superiority and the first to ally themselves with the post-colonial, anti-imperialism, the left behave as if Britain still had the mandate over "Palestine". The motivation has always been a political, ideologically-based judgmental attitude, the religious arguments are ignored. Apart from one or two sections of the Hareidi community, by far and away the worst offenders are to be found in the smaller progressive community, Britain being by and large an orthodox country. Progressive Judaism is divided between Reform and Liberal Judaism, the former more traditional and the latter very radical. It is within Liberal Judaism that the worst excesses of this anti-Israel attitude are incubated and vocal beyond their numbers, they then legitimize the true anti-Semitism of the left with their constant sniping. I cannot decide whether they are bad or mad, blithly innocent or knowingly conniving. Jews have never had the luxury of deciding the origins of the latest outbreak of anti-Semitism and must look not at the symptoms but to the direction of the cause before attempting to effect a cure. We have to face it, even if it entails a root and branch reappraisal of a life-time's political activity. The bleeding rump of what remains of the left in the post-Soviet world is no longer - even if it ever was - a friend of Israel or of the Jews. The left is now our ideological enemy and we must wake up to this fact before an already dangerous situation deteriorates. For a start, Dame Julia Neuberger of Liberal Judaism and the Liberal Democrats must forthwith denounce the anti-Semitism of her fellow peer Jenny Tongue. Julia: your silence is defeaning us. Liberal Jews must cease their intellectual titilation in taking pot shots at Israel because it is not the Israel they want. It is not their country. Theirs are not the only ethics or principles. And their view is a minority view. They must stop shooting us in the foot... we all walk on it and I don't want to be lame because left-wing, ideologically sound bigots can't shut up for once and use their brains before shouting the odds.

"I Didn't Leave the Democratic Party, It Left Me!" American Jews who vote democratic are voting AGAINST Israel and FOR the likes of: Noam Chomsky, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farakan, Al Sharpton, Michael Moore, Jimmy Carter, Cindy Sheehan, George Soros, et al. Good Company, huh? Proud Member of the Republican Jewish Coalition www.rjchq.org

#9 the Democratic party is anti Israel,The people running for senate are anti-Israel Sherrod Brown,James Webb,and Casey all are not friendly toward Israel

A great indication where the American left is heading: look where their beloved, the European left, already are (remember how Europe yearned for a Kerry victory in 2004). Vote Democratic, and you vote for a BBC / Guardian foreign policy. The Jewish left has replaced G-d with a humanism in which personal hedonism is OK because you 'help humanity' -- i.e., abort teens' babies without their parents' knowledge, make movies like 'Munich', advocate for illegal immigration, excuse (or produce) pornography, etc. Thus infected with Hollywood HIV (which they created), their spiritual immune system has been compromised so that they don't even recognize (and have largely ceased to care) where arises the next great danger to the Jews. In fact, they would gladly sacrifice all the Haredim (you know, those dangerous crazies) in Jerusalem to bid for peace with Hamas (hey, we need to 'give Peace a chance'). Thus will be fulfilled once more the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9-13, "until the land is utterly desolate".

Hello Rabbi Brackman, I am a friend of Lou Kravitz of Westcliffe. I enjoy reading many of your articles and newsletters. Regarding the above referenced article, kudos for standing up for something that is not so popular. I am a Protestant Republican and have often wondered why U.S. Jews overwhelmingly favor the democratic candidates. It appears to me that the modern day idealology of the democratic party flies completely counter to the view I have of American Jews (ie. self-sufficient, hard-working, fiscally responsible, etc.). Your article probably best explains the answer to my question, in that the idealology of the "left" has changed so in the past 50 years or so. Is it also possible that other sub-sectors of the U.S. population are still voting the way their grandparents did, even though their current vote doesn't with their current philosophy? I'm originally from Southern Missouri. My family, and most in my home region, were part of the the noted "southern, bible-belt democrats". However, the region's real ideals are very modern-day republican - but they still proudly call themselves democrats. Go figure. Also, the 90% plus democratic vote from the African-American population would also appear to be somewhat out of date. Again, thanks for the good article. Steve Barnes

Its surprising how the Left can't be racist in some people's mind. Who is proposing special taxes for Jews here in Spain? Gaspar Llamazares, from the Left. Who proposed that Israel should be dismantled? Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Socialist. Who adopts Muslim positions not only aganist the Jews but the western culture? Javier Solana, Spanish Socialist. And who is racist? the Right. Hitler is dead, the Left is the racist now. Naked facts.

For modern machiavellian imperialism and support bloodshed for atleast decades. Don't expect troops to leave Iraq and the "full spectrum dominance" plan will make sure that USA will control land, sea, space, cyberspace...you name and they want it. You won't have freedom you will have tyranny. "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." James Madison "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectful." George Orwell

The republicans have largely maxed out on the number of Jewish voters they can get. This is unfortunate because while they are betteron truly Jewish issues and Israel, the bulk of American Jewry is secular liberal (those who go to Temple twice a year are functionally secular) who care little for Israel. Many are outright hostile like Chomsky and others lukewarm but prefer abortion and civil rights. It was not always this way there used to be more secular libs that were strong supportes of Israel. Think back to when Raegan received alot of jewish lib votes against the anti-semitic Carter. However thos voters are dead, and there were many more libs who still voted Carter. Unfortunately as long as the Jewisj Jewish constituency remains 10-20% Reps can't count on much more. The main reason for this is that the heartland for Orthodoxy remained in Eastern Europe and perished. The American Orthodox heartland now is the surviors of the camps and those who got out at the last minute. Most American Jews are descendants of those who came at the turn of the century and were the least observant Jews of Eastern Europe and were the moral equivalent of Sephardim who stayed in Spain and became good Catholics(not marrano). Is it any wonder they were quiet during the Holocaust-exept to condemn Bergson and the ORTHODOX rabbis that marched on DC. They then intermarry faster than lightening and ignored Soviet Jewry until the Federations were embarrased by yeshiva trained children of Holocaust survivors in the JDL and students for Soviet Jewry. The American Jewish libs are a lost cause. Tahnkgoodness the Orthodox population is growing. #9 perhaps its time for penance for neglecting the holocaust.

This American Jew is more concerned about the war on terror and the pass that the left in the United States gives to Islamo fascists. I did not feel that the right does enough for Israel but it is better than what the left will do - e.g., Jimmy Carter, Pres. Clinton etc who shove the land for peace at every turn.

The original Jewish people who settled in the United States were the Spanish and Portugese Jews(Sephardim). The were patriots and the earned the love and respect of their fellow Christian citizens. They practiced Judaism openly and without shame. They understood what America was all about. The Spanish and Portugese Jews helped to form the Republican party in the United States. The majority of Jews in the U.S. voted REPUBLICAN since Abraham Lincoln and this trend ended with the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This change can be accounted for by one simple fact: The influx of Ashkenazi immigrants from Europe. The Ashkenazi immigrants were not interested in learning about America or Americans or respecting the unique system of American government. Instead the Ashkenazim brought with them the disease of secularism, socialism, communism, leftism, and liberalism. Because they still held a view of the world based on European thinking and trying to resolve: European problems, European tyranny and oppression. So the Ashkenazim were unable to realize the blessings of America.

At least nine Democratic Senators are Jewish. We are the most overrepresented group in the Congress. Schumer, Feingold, Feinstein, Wyden, Kohl, Lautenberg, Levin, Boxer, Lieberman (currently a Democratic Senator).

Dear Rabbi, It has been very helpful to me reading your articles. I am a spirit filled christian with a love for Israel. Yes, I am willing to die for her. I asked the Lord years ago to give me a heart for Israel as I did not have one at the time. I personally know hundreds of christians who are on their faces in prayer every week for Israel. We are crying out for the Peace of Jerusalem. We love Israel and her people. I totally support your article about the left and right wing in this country. I didn't understand why Jews would support a party who was so anti- Israel. President Bush is pro Israel. We are praying for him that he will continue to support Israel as we know that however Israel goes, so goes the United States. We know there have been terrible things done to the Jews down through the ages and I cannot undue that, however, I can ask forgiveness from them on the part of Christians everywhere. I know Jesus has wept over Jerusalem many times and loves her tenderly. Blessings, Pam Stallworth

Sadly, many American Jews are very assimilated. But although many don't like to remember that Jews ARE a minority in the US, it's true. The church/state separation is one of the things that protects us, and deep down, a lot of Jews know it. Even among the "vaguely Jewish," the Jewish experience has shaped some of the sensibilities and some of the concerns. Example: I grew up in a town where basically decent Americans actively push/ed to allow prayer into public schools. It would be "okay" because Jewish kids "could go do separate prayers." Was that anti-Semitism? No. But shoving the few Jewish kids off in a room, while the rest of the school engages in a daily communal activity, isn't helpful. Many decent people on the Christian right absolutely believe in school prayer. Most Jews don't want it. Your other comments: Many American Jews, left or right, are decent people, and not champions of "immorality". Lashon harah does not improve your argument, so I'll let it pass. Regarding your status as a veteran, you are doubtless familiar with the words of Voltaire: "I don't agree with your words, but I will fight to the death for your right to say them." I honor you for your active defense of everyone's right to speak freely. Please remember to let us use it.

#4. Enlighten us ;-) #5. Yes, Zvi begins with a tzadi, not a zayin. Thank you for your applause, but I didn't choose the name; my parents did. Unfortunately, assimilation is an issue. We're not going to be able to solve that problem in these talkbacks; if we are going to solve it, it is going to take a lot of hard work within our own communities, and in particular among our youth. Regarding your comments about Carter. Carter made mistakes, especially with Iran, and we're still paying the price. I don't have room here to talk about why I consider Bush to have weakened the US strategically so greatly, nor would that be entirely on topic. As a hint, ask yourself upon what bases American power has rested -- strong military respected world-wide, extremely attractive ideology, strong economic system, a strong system of alliances, [generally] effective diplomacy and so on -- and ask what has happened to each under Bush's stewardship. I believe very deeply that it is necessary for the US to be strong. I don't disagree with a lot of the things you said. Though -- why is the rabbit attack relevant? (heh) I especially agree with you about the Jewish community being heterogeneous & open to discussion (some of it very noisy lol). I have no problem with the vision of the founding fathers; I wish more people today stood by their vision, which was NOT a fundamentalist Christian one.

#10. Not all Republican Jews are simply safeguarding wealth. I have voted both Democrat and Republican in my time, depending on the politician in question, and can safely say that there are good people on both sides of the aisle. #12 Yes. I want to reiterate again, for anyone who thinks I believe that the left is all fuzzy and nice and that the right is evil; that simply isn't true. The left includes people like those of Chomsky and Sharpton, with whom I feel no common ideological kinship at all. But American Jews need to defend our own interests; not all of the right's policies are right for us. And Bush has been, on most points, a disaster.

As someone who, at one time, would rather have cut off an arm than vote for a Republican, I can now say that as the world becomes a more perilous place due to the threat posed by radical Islam, the choice isn't always so easy. A lot of us remain very liberal on social issues (as it happens, I'm as far to the left as you can go on issues like abortion, gay rights and euthanasia). However, when I hear some of the Democrats in all their weak-willed, politically correct glory, I want to scream. So I guess that, unfortunately, what it sometimes comes down to is having to choose between the lesser of two evils.