Obama's Visit Gets Rid of the Chametz

Dear Friends,

This is the time of year when Jews traditionally clean their houses and get rid of the chametz (also pronounced “chumitz”), the leavened products from our houses. This practice has been linked by our tradition to a process by which we do some personal “housecleaning” at this time. We examine our lives and try to get rid of old habits that are negative and problematic (traditionally we would say, “sinful”). We look to get a fresh start at this spring season. It is a process which, in a small way, is akin to our more focused period of self-examination during the High Holy Days.


This week President Obama did the political version of getting rid of chametz during his trip to Israel. In what was described as a “charm offensive,” the President found a way to get rid of some of the old, negative feelings that have lingered for a number of years between the Israeli and American administrations, between Israelis and the President. Shalom Hartman Institute Fellow Yossi Klein Halevi, who has been highly critical of President Obama in the past, called the President’s speech in Jerusalem yesterday, “a love song to Israel.” The President demonstrated that he really can and does understand Israel and the Israeli outlook, at least a lot more than most had thought. His appeal to Israelis, even his criticism of the Israeli government’s settlement policies, came off as coming from a place of love and support for Israel and not harsh and distant as such criticism had in the past.

In the meantime, the Obama administration apparently helped the Israeli and Turkish governments get rid of some significant chametz in their relationship, as Prime Minister Netanyahu called Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey to apologize for the Israeli commando raid on the Mavi Marmara in 2010 and promised compensation for the losses that took place. Prime Minister Erdogan, in turn, committed to restore full diplomatic relations with Israel. This is wonderful news.

‘Tis the season to get rid of that chametz – both in our houses and in our lives. May this be a happy and sweet Passover for you, your families and all the People of Israel.

Shabbat Shalom and have a Zeisen (Sweet) Pesach,

Jordan