Three Jewish rabbis slated for prayer recital at Obama inauguration

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Three rabbis representing the three major branches of American Judaism are slated to recite a prayer at the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, according to officials familiar with the plans.

The Jewish clergy chosen to speak at the service are Reform Rabbi David Saperstein, Conservative Rabbi Jerome Epstein and Orthodox Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, sources said.

At past inaugurations, ceremonial prayers uttered on behalf of the incoming president drew about as much attention as the flags on the podium. Not this year.

Barack Obama's choice of clergy is under scrutiny like no other president-elect before him, alternately outraging Americans on the left and the right as he navigates the minefield of U.S. religion.

"I can't recall any prayers drawing so much attention," said Charles Haynes, senior scholar at the First Amendment Center who specializes in religion in public life."

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[MidwestTransplant]

1. 3 Jewish rabbis and no non Jewish ones? How discriminatory

[cali]

6. um, there's also a Muslim doing a prayer

and I believe, reps from other religions. You might consider actually researching something before making a claim.

[hileeopnyn8d]

8. I think that was sarcasm

Though I could be wrong, I took it as "3 Jewish rabbis" but no "non-Jewish rabbi"?

[MidwestTransplant]

10. You are right. Didn't think I would need to explain further. I was laughing at the headline.

[Scurrilous]

11. I thought the headline was worded a bit funny myself. n/t

[Jackpine Radical]

15. I was gonna post the same thing. Then I saw Cali's comment

so instead I will ask where they found th Muslim and Christian rabbis.

[Doctor_J]

2. Yes, but if it's not on TV, it'sa kick in the teeth to all US Jews

:eyes:

[ecstatic]

7. If a tree falls down in the woods, but nobody is there to witness it

Did it make a sound? The answer is NO! x( x( x( x(

[bluestateguy]

3. How come there is no Jews for Jesus rabbi?

Despicable!

Me and my special interest group are offended at this disgusting slap in the face.

[ecstatic]

4. I guess Muslims need not apply

;( x(










:sarcasm:

[Uzybone]

5. More reasons why religion should be kept out of this

"so help me God" is sufficient. Everything else (invocations, benedictions, recitals) is looking for trouble. Somebody will always be pissed off.

[monmouth]

9. Hahaha, I notice no Cardinals, Bishops or Monsignors from the Roman

Catholic Church will be present. At least I didn't notice any...LOL. They want to ex-communicate Joe Biden 'cause he's pro-choice (as I am). He and I can go to hell together I guess.

[Political Tiger]

12. Unless it's broadcast live on HBO

it doesn't count, or so I have heard!

[cliffordu]

13. What? NO FUCKING ATHIESTS????

This is an OUTRAGE!!!!!

[Ocracoker16]

14. Misinformation- 3 rabbis will be at the Wednesday prayer service

For the actual innauguration ceremony, the only prayers will come from Rick Warren who will do the invocation and Joseph Lowry who will do the benediction.

The national prayer service is not televised. It takes place at the National Cathedral on Wednesday which is of course the day after the inaugration. This is the service that includes the 3 rabbis named above. There will be representatives of other religions participating in the service. None of these indivduals are particpating in the inaugural ceremony.

On Wednesday morning when everyone else is hungover, a relatively small number of people will be sitting there listening to a very diverse group that won't be involved in Tuesday's events.