Beth El Jacob - 2010 Iowa Caucus & Shabbat
Iowa Democratic Party
Iowa Republican Party
On July 28, 2009 (The day before Tisha B'Av.) and in a joint statement, the Iowa Democratic Party and the Iowa Republican Party announced the 2010 Iowa Caucus would take place on a Saturday...the Sabbath. This action has accomplished the removal of Jewish citizens from the grassroots effort, an effort that propelled Barack Obama to the White House in 2008. That they did this without knowing about the Jewish Sabbath is troubling. That they did this and knew of the importance of Shabbat is appalling.
In response to this disenfranchisement of Iowa's Jews the Board of Trustees of Beth El Jacob authorized that a letter be sent to both parties requesting that the date be changed. The text of those letters are below.
Norm Sterzenback, Executive Director
Michael Kiernan, Chair
The Iowa Democratic Party
5661 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
RE: 2010 Iowa Caucus Date/Change
Dear Norm & Michael:
"The Board of Trustees of Beth El Jacob, the Orthodox Congregation of Des Moines and Iowa, has instructed me to write this letter urging the Democratic Party of Iowa to work with the Iowa Republican Party and change the date for the 2010 Iowa Caucus.
Saturday, the day you have selected, is the Jewish Sabbath and according to our faith it would be impossible for even the most political astute person to attend and take part. That some may, is clearly their choice based on their level of observance. The issue, as we see it, is the Party either did not know about the Sabbath or ignored the fact. The decision has disenfranchised some of your most ardent supporters and we would respectively request you reconsider.
It is said the Democratic Party has a “big tent”. We would like to know we’re welcome to camp out with you and take part in this unique grassroots event."
Jeffery Boeyink, Executive Director
Matt Strawn, Chair
The Iowa Republican Party
621 East 9th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
RE: 2010 Iowa Caucus/Date
Dear Jeffery & Matt:
"The Board of Trustees of Beth El Jacob, the Orthodox Congregation of Des Moines and Iowa, has instructed me to write this letter urging the Iowa Republican Party to work with the Democratic Party of Iowa and change the date for the 2010 Iowa Caucus.
Saturday, the day you have selected, is the Jewish Sabbath and according to our faith it would be impossible for even the most political astute person to attend and take part. That some may, is clearly their choice based on their level of observance. The issue, as we see it, is the Party either did not know about the Sabbath or ignored the fact. The decision has disenfranchised some of your most ardent supporters and we would respectively request you reconsider.
The Iowa Republican Party is said to be a party of “faith and values”. We would like you to consider our minority faith group and work toward changing the date. It’s the right thing to do."