Letter to Judge Doris L. Downs

Below is a copy of the letter that I sent to Judge Downs following my sermon on Parshat Emor:

The Honorable Judge Doris L. Downs
Chief Judge, Fulton County Superior Court
185 Central Ave, SW
Justice Center Tower
Suite T-7955/Courtroom 7F
Atlanta, GA  30303

Dear Judge Downs:

Although we have never met, I would consider such a future occurrence to be a great privilege. I serve as the rabbi of Great Neck Synagogue, a modern orthodox congregation in Great Neck, New York, with a membership of close to 600 families. Last week you were the topic of my sermon.

I spoke to the congregation about courageous behavior and how our tradition supports doing the right thing even when it might be unpopular. Although the sermon was based on biblical and rabbinic sources, I used your actions in accommodating the religious needs of the Maimonidies School from Massachusetts in the recent National Mock Trial competition, as a modern example of just such behavior. Your actions were communicated to me not only as an expression of your understanding of the law, but also as an example of a professionally difficult decision made with great courage and compassion. For that and for the example you have set, I and my congregation are grateful.

Thank you for reinforcing the legal and moral values of this great country in which we are privileged to live.

Very cordially yours,

Rabbi Dale Polakoff