Senator Joe Lieberman, an Orthodox US senator from Connecticut who had a strong relationship with the Rebbe and Chabad Shluchim, passed away on Wednesday.
Senator Joe Liberman, who was known for his close connection to Chabad and his high regard for the Rebbe, passed away. He authored a book on Shabbos and was the first Shomer Shabbos Yid to run for vice president.
Joseph Isadore Lieberman, a distinguished figure in American politics and a proud Yid, passed away on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential Jewish political figures in American history. Lieberman, born in Stamford, Connecticut, came from a Jewish family of immigrant descent. His father, Henry, managed a liquor store, while his mother, Marcia, had roots in Austria-Hungary and Congress Poland.
A Yale University alumnus, Lieberman earned his Bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics in 1964, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. During his time at Yale, he was actively involved, serving as the editor of the Yale Daily News and a member of the Elihu Club. Notably, he formed a lasting friendship with conservative intellectual William F. Buckley Jr., who also served as the editor of the Yale Daily News.
After obtaining his LLB degree from Yale Law School in 1967, Lieberman embarked on a legal career at the New Haven-based law firm, Wiggin & Dana LLP. However, his true calling lay in politics, and in 1988, he was elected to the United States Senate as a Democrat from Connecticut, a position he held until 2013.
Lieberman’s personal life always focused on Yiddishkeit. He was married twice and had three children from his two marriages. Lieberman’s observance of Shabbos and adherence to kosher made him a unique figure in the political arena, often causing him to change his meetings and schedule to keep Shabbos.
Lieberman greatly looked up to the Rebbe about whom he said, “I was impressed by this man, by his obvious spirituality, by his soaring intellect, by the extent to which he was involved in the world.” He went to 770 and had many yechidusim with the Rebbe.
At the Kinus Hashluchim in 2013, Senator Lieberman spoke about the Rebbe’s vision and shluchim that continue to empower him to openly embrace Yiddishkeit wherever he finds himself, and they will continue to empower Am Yisroel and all of humanity for eternity.
A prolific author, Lieberman penned “The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath,” extolling the virtues of observing Shabbos and its positive impact on various aspects of life. In it, he encouraged Jews and Non-Jews alike to set aside a day of the week to rest, connect with family and community, and disconnect from technology. His admiration for leaders like the Rebbe and his engagement with Jewish teachings further reflected his deep-rooted connection Yiddishkeit.
Lieberman had a close relationship with the Chabad Shluchim in Connecticut Rabbi Yisroel and Vivi Deren, and Rabbi Yosef Gopin, as well as Washington D.C. Shluchim Rabbi Avraham Shemtov and his son Rabbi Levi Shemtov.
He made history as the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nominee in the 2000 presidential election, running alongside then-Vice President Al Gore. His nomination made him the first Jewish candidate on a major U.S. presidential ticket
Lieberman’s passing marks the end of an era for American politics and the Jewish community alike. His legacy as a trailblazer, both in politics and in the realm of faith, will endure as a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his proud embrace of his Jewish heritage.
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