Rabbinical Association Panel Delves Deep
A rabbi, an attorney, a politician and a journalist result in a lively, informative evening.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
On Dec. 10, the Atlanta Rabbinical Association presented Georgia State Rep. Esther Panitch (House Rep. 51), Greg Bluestein (Atlanta Journal-Constitution political reporter), and Sam Olens (partner at Dentons’ Public Policy practice) to discuss how the November presidential election informs the Georgia state legislature and what it means for the Jewish community.
ARA president Daniel Dorsch, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim, explained that the ARA has 85 members including educators, retirees, in addition to pulpit rabbis. He stated, “We use our voices to bring Torah to Jewish Atlanta. We don’t always agree … 10 rabbis, 100 opinions. We model disagreements for the sake of heaven … bringing holiness to the art of politics. We even have a prayer for those who work for government.”
Temple Sinai Senior Rabbi Ron Segal was the moderator. Bluestein posed what we don’t know yet regarding the Trump victory. “Will Georgia’s Republican party change? Become more MAGA? With (Governor Brian) Kemp heading the Republican governors … will he run for president? What mandate do Republicans have going forward? Kemp was smart and kept some space between him and Trump so as not to be blamed if he lost. Note Kemp doesn’t talk about abortion … things like IVF could be tricky.”
Olens, also former Georgia attorney general, stated that the election was about the economy and paying grocery bills. “Harris never figured that out.” Olens pointed out that Trump’s executive orders would not be “rubber stamped” and have to go through procedures.
Panitch, the lone Jewish state legislator, made news when antisemitic literature was thrown by the Goyim Defense League in her neighborhood. Some House members stood with her for that, but did not vote for the HB30 bill that defined antisemitism. And post-Oct. 7, she felt more silence. She said, “There’s a risk bills could be hijacked and made worse. I don’t want to make bad laws. Think about transgender sports. No real problem here, no need for solution … It’s low hanging fruit … the optics of big men in girls’ sports … a waste of time.”
All agreed that Jews cannot “go it” alone. Olens said, “Jews (at 2 to 3 percent) don’t control Georgia. We need partnerships with other groups like the NAACP to be able to pass hate crime bills … the Islamic Speakers Bureau, the Episcopalian ministries … that help all minorities.”
Bluestein emphasized, “Go visit the state capitol. There are 236 lawmakers. They’re not hiding. Standing up matters.”
Panitch expressed concern that her party (Democrats) might slide left like dealing with a Democratic socialist from Smyrna. She said, “I know there are people I cannot move … we have to find allies in quiet ways like inviting for Shabbat.”
Bluestein summarized, “We are not monolithic. I got a lot of feedback from both sides when I wrote that J Street was ‘centrist’ — a reminder how divisive Israeli issues are, even within the Jewish community.”
Panitch mused that she was not elected to be the Jewish rep but feels the responsibility. “I was suspicious when Ossoff didn’t respond before the recent vote to ban arms to Israel, so I knew then he would vote ‘yes.’”
Bluestein stated that the state’s next races have begun. “Chris Carr took steps to run for governor. Half the state senate is already running for something. Lots of movement.”
Panitch urged audience members to run for office. “You are just as qualified as some of these other folks.”
Not a fan of Congress, Olens said, “They do little except name post offices, work 30 days a year and can’t come up with a budget … the only advanced country that can’t govern itself … that’s why we have so many executive orders.”
Brooke Rosenthal, ARA senior administrator and events coordinator, said, “I found the forum to be very informative and interesting. I think this type of event is worth repeating and building upon.”
Bottom line: Folks with all political stripes attended the event in harmony. Therein is the hope.
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