Are Politicians Who Talk About God Crazy?

The note placed on the lectern in the middle of my remarks read, "Peres dead. Return immediately." I instantly stopped and apologized to the audience for having to leave. The president of Israel had passed away and, as deputy minister in charge of diplomacy, I had to rush back to Israel and help host the many foreign dignitaries expected to arrive. Speeding to the airport, though, I experienced a pang of guilt. I was in the United States to deliver High Holiday sermons to Reform and Conservative synagogues, but now I would let them down. Less altruistically, perhaps, I believed my message would be welcomed by their congregations. I'd already given the remarks at a modern Orthodox shul in New York and received -- on Shabbat -- a standing ovation. Glancing at my watch and hoping I had enough time, I told the driver to turn off the highway to the airport and head for the Israeli Consulate. There, after hastily setting up a camera, I recorded my 17-minute speech and sent it to the rabbis I'd stood up.