President Biden invokes words of Rabbi Sacks at White House reception

Joe Biden recalled the words of the late former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks as he addressed the first ever High Holy Days reception at the White House.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur gatherings have been previously hosted at the vice president’s residence. But Friday’s event was hosted in the East Room of the White House and was also attended by the first lady, the vice president, and Jewish second gentleman Doug Emhoff, along with a group of local rabbis, Jewish friends and media. Renowned Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman performed for attendees.

“The late Rabbi Jonathan sacks who passed away two years ago once said that the most important lesson of the High Holy Days is nothing is broken beyond repair,” said the president. “It’s never too late to change and to be better. I’ve always believed that message and also believe it’s universal. We’ve emerged from one of our most difficult moments in our history – I believe nothing is broken beyond repair and there’s a lot we can do to change things and bring people together.”

The observance came at a critical point for Biden, who is currently responding to an ongoing hurricane crisis in the southeast of the country as well as rising pressure to respond to Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions.

While Biden hesitated to call out Russia President Vladimir Putin by name at the event, he did refer to the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, saying he is “rallying the world in support of Ukraine…[in their] right to exist as a people”.

The president also noted alarming spikes in antisemitic hate crimes both in the US and abroad, saying: “Hate can have no safe harbour…failure to call it out is complicity. I’m not going to remain silent. We can’t remain silent.”

On the recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Biden said: “To Jewish families in Florida, our hearts go out to everyone there experiencing what could be one of the most devastating hurricanes in that state’s history,” adding that he is working closely with the governor there to provide aid and relief to those in need. “Whatever it takes, we’re going to be there as one nation, one America.”

In closing, the president noted his appreciation that the High Holy Days afford “a time to ask for forgiveness and repair our relationships.

“The Jewish tradition holds that from the time the book of life is opened to the time it is sealed, our fate hangs in the balance. It’s in our hands to change, to do better…I hope for the year ahead we emerge stronger…It’s not required that you complete the work, but neither may you refrain from it…may we all be inscribed in the book of life.”

Emhoff, husband of VP Kamala Harris and the first Jewish spouse in an executive office, described the president as “one of the Jewish community’s best friends.” He also addressed the crowd, sharing fond memories of High Holy Days as a child spent at his grandmother’s house, of her homemade brisket and challah, and of being gently scolded “not to jump on the couch, I just took the plastic covers off!”

And echoing statements from the president, Emhoff added: “Jews worldwide face tremendous discrimination, violence, and antisemitism. Americans must be able to worship without fear and violence.”