Jump to content

Daniel Lapin: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Unlinking full-dates. Details here. Codes: AMreg(×3)
Hmsc (talk | contribs)
15 edits
Updates; Correcting inaccurate information; addition of verifiable sources; reorganizing content to better-suited sections; deletion of some non-neutral content with no verifiable sources
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Daniel Lapin''' (born c. 1950) is a political commentator and [[United States|American]] [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[rabbi]] living on [[Mercer Island, Washington]], and the founder of [[Toward Tradition]], a [[Conservatism|conservative]] [[Jewish]]-[[Christian]] organization. He also once headed the [[Pacific Jewish Center]] in [[Venice, California]]. He is also the former head of the Commonwealth Loan Company and the Cascadia Business Institute. Lapin is co-chair of the [[American Alliance of Jews and Christians]].
'''Daniel Lapin''' (born c. 1950) is an [[United States|American]] [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[rabbi]] living on [[Mercer Island, Washington]]. He is a [[rabbinic Judaism|rabbinic]] scholar, [[Torah]] teacher, author and [[radio talk show]] host.
He was listed as one of the country’s top 50 rabbis in [[Newsweek]] in 2007<ref>(April 2, 2007) [http://www.ffeu.org/press_room/040207newsweek.htm The Top 50 Rabbis in America.] ''Newsweek'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> and as one of the top 50 Jewish leaders in [[The Forward]] in 1994.<ref>(November 18, 1994), The Forward Fifty. ''The Forward''</ref>
Currently, Lapin is president of the [[American Alliance of Jews and Christians]] and—together with his wife—runs Lifecodex Publishing Company. He also founded the [[Pacific Jewish Center]] in [[Venice, California]], which he headed for fifteen years, and later started [[Toward Tradition]]. Early in his career he co-founded and served as dean of the Hebrew Institute of California, also known as Kerem Yeshiva, and served as the head of the Cascadia Business Institute.


==Early life==
==Early Life==
Lapin was born in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]] to a family of [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian Jewish descent]]. His father, Rabbi [[A. H. Lapin]], a nephew of Rabbi [[Elya Lopian]] 1872-1970, served as a prominent and outspoken [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] rabbi in Johannesburg and [[Cape Town]], and eventually established an Orthodox synagogue (''Am Echad'') in [[San Jose, California]] after he left South Africa in the late 1970s. Lapin's two brothers, [[David Lapin|David]] and [[Raphael Lapin|Raphael]], are also Orthodox rabbis and have similar educational backgrounds, having [[emigration|emigrated]] from South Africa to [[California]]. His sister is married to an American rabbi.
Lapin was born in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]] to a family of [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian Jewish descent]]. He attended schools in Johannesburg and London and later studied at yeshivas in both [[England]] and [[Israel]]. His father, Rabbi A. H. Lapin, a nephew of Rabbi [[Elya Lopian]] 1872-1970, served as a prominent and outspoken [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] rabbi in Johannesburg and [[Cape Town]]. A.H. Lapin and his wife, Maisie, left South Africa in 1977 to join their son, Rabbi Daniel, in [[San Jose]], [[California]], where he established an Orthodox synagogue (''Am Echad ''). Lapin's two brothers, [[David Lapin|David]] and [[Raphael Lapin|Raphael]], are also Orthodox rabbis and have similar educational backgrounds, having [[emigration|emigrated]] from South Africa to [[California]] to join their brother. His sister is married to an American rabbi, Michael Chill, and lives in New York.


==Hebrew Institute of California and Pacific Jewish Center==
Lapin studied in [[yeshiva]]s in [[Gateshead Talmudical College|Gateshead]] and [[Jerusalem]], and emigrated to the [[United States]] in 1973, becoming a [[Naturalization|naturalized]] citizen.
In 1975 Lapin co-founded the the Hebrew Institute of California—also known as Kerem Yeshiva—together with Rabbi [[Matis Weinberg]] in the [[San Francisco]] Bay Area. Lapin served as dean for two years before moving to the Los Angeles area.


Together with [[Michael Medved]], he then established the [[Pacific Jewish Center]], which moved into an old semi-abandoned [[synagogue]] at 505 Ocean Front Walk in [[Venice, California]]. The center was viewed as part of the then-new [[Baal teshuva]] movement, which encourages religiously alienated young Jews to adopt and return to a more observant, traditional, God-centric [[Judaism]]. Lapin, who was known for his teachings on the traditional Jewish community model in which the rabbi is not employed by those he is to lead, served as the congregation’s unpaid rabbi until mid-1992.
==Pacific Jewish Center==
Lapin founded the [[Pacific Jewish Center]], a [[synagogue]] in [[Venice, California]] that views itself as functioning as part of the recent [[Baal teshuva]] movement, encouraging [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] and [[Reform Judaism|Reform Jews]] to adopt and return to a more observant, traditional Judaism.

Conservative columnist [[Michael Medved]] was a member and is currently on the board of ''Toward Tradition''. Actors [[Barbra Streisand]] and [[Richard Dreyfuss]] participated in that religious community and [[synagogue]]. Lapin's teachings are also aligned with [[Modern Orthodox Judaism]], in that while he promotes observant Judaism, he is strongly in favor of observant Jews having interaction with other faith communities (in his view, mostly conservative and observant Christian communities) and broader political action outside of Judaism. This has placed him at odds with some modern Orthodox Rabbis, who do not approve of working with clergy of other religions.

==Radio show in Seattle==
In late 1991, Daniel Lapin and his family relocated to [[Mercer Island, Washington]] (near [[Seattle]]), where he focused on building the organization of Toward Tradition. Starting in 2002, Lapin broadcast a paid weekly radio [[talk show]] funded by [[Toward Tradition]] on [[KTTH-AM]] in Seattle. The show ended in January 2006. Currently he hosts a radio show Sunday afternoons on [[KSFO (AM)|KSFO-AM]] in [[San Francisco]].

==Speaking engagements==
As of early 2007, Lapin was spending much of his time delivering lectures at churches, synagogues, businesses, and charities around the United States. His speeches generally focus on the relationship between Judeo-Christian traditions and contemporary political issues in the realm of "faith, family and finances". He publishes an extensive list of past and future speaking engagements at his [http://rabbidaniellapin.com/speaking_engagements.php website].

==Conservative Judeo-Christian values vs. liberalism==
===Support for conservative Christians===
Both Lapin and Medved promote conservative political principles, intermixed with traditional religious observance. Lapin was one of the Jewish voices in support of [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'', and was a strong supporter of the efforts by [[Terri Schiavo]]'s parents to keep their daughter alive. He is also a strong supporter of [[Pope Pius XII]] as a [[Righteous Among the Nations|righteous gentile]], a term he believes should be renamed "righteous Christian".

Lapin has called the [[United States]] the most "Jewish-friendly" state in history because of its Christian heritage. He argues that it is better for Jews to promote shared [[Judeo-Christian]] values with the majority than promote solely Jewish values. He has also called [[secular]] [[liberalism]] a danger to Judeo-Christian values, and claimed that the [[Holocaust Memorial Museum]] presents [[anti-Christian]] [[propaganda]]; he says that the museum ignores, for example, the work of [[Corrie ten Boom]]'s family in unconditionally saving Jews.

===Opposition to Jewish liberalism===
Lapin has declared that the [[Anti-Defamation League]] and its allies are "dangerous organizations, organizations that are driving a wedge between [[American Jews]] and Christians." Referring to ADL national director [[Abraham Foxman]], Lapin said that by calling ''The Passion of the Christ'' [[antisemitism|anti-Semitic]], "what he is saying is that the only way (for Christians) to escape the wrath of Foxman is to repudiate (their own) faith."

Lapin also rejects the idea that the [[Jewish left]] represents Judaism. He has excoriated many Jewish people for their leadership in promotion of ideas contrary to traditional Judaism, such as [[abortion]], [[homosexuality]] and [[socialism]]. He argues that Jewish-born liberals have redefined "Judaism" to mean "liberalism" &mdash; and redefined "anti-liberalism" as "anti-Semitism." Lapin has said: "It is time for us to recognize the charge of anti-Semitism for what it often is: a political weapon intended to silence critics of liberalism."
Within a few years, the synagogue grew to several hundred members and its teaching reached the lives of more than 2,000 people <ref> Formicola, Jo Renee & Morken, Hubert (2001) ‘‘Religious Leaders and Faith Based Politics-Ten Profiles.’’ (Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc.)</ref> around the country. Lapin’s wife-to-be, Susan Friedberg, was one of the many young Jews who joined the Pacific Jewish Center. Their marriage in 1979 was the first wedding the synagogue had celebrated in nearly forty years. Actors [[Barbra Streisand]],<ref> Wenig, Gaby (July 3, 2003) [http://www.jewishjournal.com/community/article/new_rabbi_hopes_more_families_enjoy_sun_surf_shabbat_at_pjc_20030704 New Rabbi Hopes More Families Enjoy Sun, Surf and Shabbat at PFC] “Jewish Journal of Los Angeles.” ''Jewish Journal '' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> [[Richard Dreyfuss]] and [[Elliot Gould]], among others in the entertainment community, participated in the religious life of the Pacific Jewish Center. In 1979 Lapin and his wife founded the Emanuel Streisand Day School, named for benefactor Barbra Streisand’s late father. It was later renamed for Lapin’s great uncle and teacher, Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, and became the Ohr Eliyahu Academy.
=== Public celebration of Christmas ===
Lapin has spoken against the [[secularization of Christmas]], saying that "We see obsequious regard for faiths like Judaism and even [[Islam]], while Christianity is treated with contempt". <ref>http://www.towardtradition.org/article_christmas.htm</ref> He is opposed to replacing the "Merry Christmas" greeting with "Happy Holidays", saying instead "Let us all go out of our way to wish our many wonderful Christian friends a very merry Christmas... Nationwide, Christmas [[Nativity]] scenes are banned from city halls and shopping malls but [[Chanukah]] menorahs are permitted. (They are only cultural symbols, not religious, you see.)... Religious Freedom is for Everyone - Not Just Minorities". <ref>http://www.towardtradition.org/article_Religious_Freedom.htm</ref>


==Radio and Television==
== Positions on other issues ==
In early 1992, Daniel Lapin and his family relocated to [[Mercer Island, Washington]] (near [[Seattle]]), where he focused on writing his first book and building the organization Toward Tradition. Starting in 1995, encouraged by his friends [[William Bennet|Bill Bennet]] and [[John Carlson]], Lapin began broadcasting a weekly radio [[talk show]] on [[KVI|KVI-AM]] in Seattle. <ref>R. Cross, Charles (April 1998) Four Faces of Faith, ''Seattle Magazine''</ref> <ref>Green, Norman (July27, 1996) [http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960727&slug=2341147 'Hot Talk' Radio Rabbi Sees Role For The Right -- Conservatism Unites Faiths, Says Daniel Lapin.], ''Seattle Magazine'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> He moved on to [[KTTH|KTTH-AM]] in 2002 and hosted his show there through 2006. Currently he hosts a radio show Sunday afternoons on [[KSFO (AM)|KSFO-AM]] in [[San Francisco]], which by mid-2009 had an [[Arbitron]] rating of 4.3.
===Recycling===
Lapin opposes [[recycling]], which he calls "The sacred [[sacrament]] of [[secularism]]... Why? Because if we are animals then there is a shortage in the world. [[God]] doesn't take anything from us and God doesn't create and therefore there is a shortage ... Do not feel guilty for using what God has provided us. Enjoy it!" <ref>http://quinnell.us/politics/rww/individuals/index2.html</ref>


In 2004 and 2005, Lapin and his wife hosted a weekly television show on [[KNMT]] in [[Portland, Oregon]], in which they discussed [[Hebrew]], which Lapin refers to as “secrets of The Lord’s Language.”
===Wealth===
Lapin asks: "Does God want people to be rich?" ..."Yes!" he says, because God "wants us to be obsessively preoccupied by one another's needs," a habit that the [[commerce]] relationship fosters. "[[Wealth]] is a consequence of doing the right thing," he says. He argues that the [[Torah]] supports the [[free market]] and opposes punitive [[taxation]], and wants people to pass on assets to their descendants rather than being taken by the government by [[inheritance taxes]].


Lapin often guest hosts and does interview appearances on other radio shows around the country including the [[Michael Medved]] Show and the [[Mike Gallagher]] Show. Callers routinely introduce their comments by telling him “You’re my rabbi” in response to his radio show slogan, “Everybody needs a rabbi!”
Lapin himself has not been successful in his business ventures. While in California, he founded an investment company called Commonwealth Loan Company which bought and sold investment loans secured by California real estate. The company filed for [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|chapter 11 bankruptcy]] in April 1992, six months after Lapin moved to [[Seattle]]. The company had losses in excess of $3 million dollars, much of which had been personally guaranteed by Lapin. In July 1994, Lapin filed for personal bankruptcy in a Seattle federal court, with more than $3 million in debts.


Lapin has been interviewed on the programs of many radio and television stations including [[National Public Radio]], [[MSNBC]] and [[Fox News]] and has been a frequent guest on The [[Dave Ramsey]] radio and television shows. He is a frequent guest on Christian television and has appeared regularly on [[Daystar Television Network]], [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] with Pastor [[John Hagee]], [[Christian Broadcasting Network|Christian Broadcasting Network’s]] 700 Club with [[Pat Robertson]], [[Paula White]] Ministries television, and the [[Tri-State_Christian_Television|Total Christian Television]] network.
In 1996, Barry Abramson, a former congregant, filed suit against Lapin for [[fraud]], claiming he had abused his position as spiritual advisor to convince him to invest all of his inheritance from his grandmother in the failed investment company. Lapin was exonerated by a federal bankruptcy judge in Seattle, who ruled that Abramson had "failed to state a claim for any kind of fraud."


==Speaking Engagements==
==Allies==
As of late 2009, Lapin was spending much of his time delivering lectures at churches, synagogues, businesses and civic groups around the United States. He’s been referred to as a fluid, captivating speaker <ref>Rosin, Hanna (June 25, 2005) [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/24/AR2005062401891.html The Republican’s Rabbi in Arms.], ''The Washington Post'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref>
Lapin has had breakfast with [[Karl Rove]] and considers himself a "close friend" of former [[House Majority Leader]] [[Tom DeLay]]. He also has [[Zig Ziglar]] as a frequent guest in his house, and is friends with Professor [[Walter Block]] of [[Loyola University of New Orleans]].
and as a presenter “who brilliantly spins Talmudic parables into conservative themes.” <ref>Green, Norman (July27, 1996) [http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960727&slug=2341147 Hot Talk' Radio Rabbi Sees Role For The Right -- Conservatism Unites Faiths, Says Daniel Lapin.], ''Seattle Magazine'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref>
His Bible-centric speeches generally integrate the Judeo-Christian tradition, the [[Torah]] and contemporary issues facing people in the areas of marriage, business and career, relationships and religion. He has spoken for more than 100 groups including [[Harvard Law School]], [[Texas A&M University]], the [[Christian Coalition]], the [[Heritage Foundation]], the [[US Army]] and the Congressional bi-partisan reception for the 106th Congress. He has been invited to be the Scholar-in-Residence for Jewish communities in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Texas]], [[Georgia]], [[Florida]], [[New Jersey]], [[Maryland]], [[Illinois]] and [[California]]. He publishes an extensive list of past and future speaking engagements on his [http://rabbidaniellapin.com/speaking_engagements.php website].


==Friendship With and Support for Conservative Christians==
"When you're talking to a pastor he could be inspired by God, etc., but he may not have the scholarship," said Rep. [[Dana Rohrabacher]] of California, one of several Republicans who refer to Lapin affectionately as "my rabbi." But, "when you're talking to Rabbi Lapin you know you're getting an expert, someone who's the equivalent of a PhD at a major university."
Lapin promotes conservative political principles intermixed with traditional religious observance. Together with Dennis Prager and Michael Medved, he was one of the Jewish voices in support of [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]],'' <ref> Lapin, Daniel (February 25, 2004) [http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/lapin200402250902.asp The Dividers], ''National Review'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> and was a strong supporter of the efforts by [[Terri Schiavo]]'s parents to keep their daughter alive. <ref> Lapin, Daniel (April 5, 2005) [http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/lapin200504050745.asp His Gospel of Life.] ''National Review'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> He is also a strong supporter of [[Pope Pius XII]] and [[Pope Benedict XVI]].


Lapin argues that the Torah is essentially a conservative blueprint that promotes values most would regard as traditional. In his first book, ''America’s Real War '', he opposes separating religion from politics, writing that “politics is nothing other than the practical application of our most deeply held values.” He has defended the right of religious leaders to speak out on political issues such as abortion.<ref>Vincent, Lynn (January 12, 2008) [http://www.worldmag.com/articles/13636 Estranged Allies.] ''World Magazine '' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> His best known assertion is that “America has provided the most tranquil and prosperous haven enjoyed by Jews in the past 2,000 years,” and that “this is not in spite of America being a Christian nation but precisely because of it.”
"A lot of people are surprised when they leave church and encounter essentially [[Alan Dershowitz|Dershowitz]] Judaism, Jews who are liberal, Lapin is the opposite of that," says conservative activist [[Grover Norquist]], who is also a friend.


To some extent, Lapin's teachings are aligned with Modern Orthodox Judaism in that while he promotes observant Judaism, he is strongly in favor of observant Jews having interaction with other faith communities. He has called the United States the most "Jewish-friendly" state in history because of its Christian heritage, <ref> Newcombe, Jerry (2009) [http://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Made-America-Formed/dp/0982492901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259766811&sr=1-1 The Book That Made America], Nordskog Publishing, Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref>
Lapin said that "the principles of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] and the convictions of our [[President of the United States|president]] more closely parallel the moral vision of the [[Names of God in Judaism|God]] of [[Abraham]] than those of anyone else," Lapin said at the dinner with President [[George W. Bush]], hosted by [[Ralph Reed]]. He said that he is loyal to [[Judaism]] before the GOP, however, and if the GOP deviates, he would cease his support.
and has said that “without a vibrant and vital Christianity, America is doomed.” <ref> Kennedy, Dr. D. James (2008) [http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074068 How Would Jesus Vote.] Random House Waterbrook Press</ref>


Lapin retains close friendships with many Christian organizations and leaders including [[James Dobson]] and [[Focus on the Family]], [[Pat Robertson]] and [[The 700 Club]], [[Zig Ziglar]], the [[Christian Coalition]], Pastor [[John Hagee]], The Legatus Organization and the [[Alliance Defense Fund]].<ref> Barnes, Fred (November/December 1995) The Orthodox Alliance. “American Enterprise Magazine”</ref>
Lapin has said that "''[[The 700 Club]]'' is one of my big all-time favorites."


==Positions on Other Issues==
Lapin serves on the board of the [[Jewish Policy Center]] in [[Washington, DC]].
===Homeschooling===
Both Lapin and his wife are ardent enthusiasts of the [[homeschooling]] movement and homeschooled their seven children. <ref>R. Cross, Charles (April 1998) Four Faces of Faith, ''Seattle Magazine''</ref> They address homeschooling conventions and counsel homeschoolers, particularly those within the small Jewish homeschooling community, on curriculum, socialization, and other related matters. They also have written for homeschooling publications such as Home Education Magazine.


=== Public Celebration of Christmas ===
Lapin has also been a frequent guest of Dave Ramsey on The Dave Ramsey radio and television show.
Lapin has spoken against the [[secularization of Christmas]], saying that "We see obsequious regard for faiths like Judaism and even [[Islam]], while Christianity is treated with contempt." <ref>Lapin, Daniel (November 24, 2005) [http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/LapinChristmas.php Merry Christmas is Not Offensive -- Jews Should Protect Religious Freedom for Everyone.] ''Orthodoxy Today '' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> He is opposed to replacing the “Merry Christmas” greeting with "Happy Holidays," saying instead "Let us all go out of our way to wish our many wonderful Christian friends a very merry Christmas,” adding that, “nationwide, Christmas [[Nativity]] scenes are banned from city halls and shopping malls but [[Chanukah]] menorahs are permitted.<ref> Barnes, Fred (November/December 1995) The Orthodox Alliance. “American Enterprise Magazine”</ref>


===Wealth===
==Relationship with Jack Abramoff==
Lapin has been quoted as saying that four basic desires exist to motivate people: Gold or wealth, Power or strength, Wisdom, and Honor. <ref> Ziglar, Zig (1998) [http://www.amazon.com/Success-Dummies-Zig-Ziglar/dp/0764550616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1258493334&sr=8-1-fkmr0#noop Success for Dummies.] IDG Books Worldwide Inc</ref> In his book ''Thou Shall Prosper '', he wrote that "God wants humans to be wealthy because wealth follows large-scale righteous conduct." He has also said that money "is God's gift for human interaction" because acquiring it requires people "to connect with as many people as possible, to be obsessed with the needs of as many people as possible." <ref> Shapiro, Ninal (November 5, 2003) [http://www.seattleweekly.com/2003-11-05/news/blessed-for-success Blessed for Success.] ''Seattle Weekly'' Retrieved 2009-12-12</ref>
{{Jack Abramoff}}
He presents frequent motivational, sales training, and organizational development seminars for executives and employees of companies like [[Boeing]] and [[Nordstrom]], as well as for the [[US Military]].
[[Jack Abramoff]] served on the board of [[Toward Tradition]], including a stint as chairman, and donated the $10,000 a year expected from board members. One year Abramoff met that requirement by sending a check from the [[Capital Athletic Foundation]], an organization Abramoff controlled that has since become a key piece of the Abramoff corruption investigation.<ref>http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=lapin09m&date=20060109</ref>


==Political Involvement==
''[[The Washington Post]]'' reported that, on October 16, 2005, that Toward Tradition received a $25,000 donation in 2000 from online gambling company [[eLottery]], a lobbying client of Abramoff and his employer, [[Preston Gates Ellis]], despite Lapin's professed opposition to gambling. Some or all of the money received by Lapin was then transferred to a company run by the wife of [[Tony Rudy]], an aide to [[Tom DeLay]] who was instrumental in killing an anti-gambling bill that eLottery and Abramoff were lobbying against. In a follow-up article published by ''The Washington Post'' on January 9, 2006, it was alleged that Toward Tradition was the "non-profit entity" referred to in Abramoff's [[plea bargain]] in relation to a $25,000 contribution made by [[Magazine Publishers of America]], which had hired Abramoff for a campaign against the postal rate increase. In March 2006, Tony Rudy pleaded guilty to one charge of [[conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]] relating to the money his wife had received from Lapin.
Lapin appears to have had little political involvement since 2005. Prior to that time he was regarded as “an influential conservative”<ref> Babington, Charles (September 14, 2000) Book Describes Clinton’s Close Call. ''Tampa Tribune''</ref> and the unofficial rabbi of the Republican Party, and was the keynote speaker for the Congressional Bi-Partisan Opening Ceremony for the 106th Congress of the United States on January 6, 1999.


A 2005 Washington Post article mentioned that Lapin would breakfast with [[Karl Rove]] and considered himself a "close friend" of former [[House Majority Leader]] [[Tom DeLay]].<ref>Rosin, Hanna (June 25, 2005) [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/24/AR2005062401891.html The Republican’s Rabbi in Arms.], ''The Washington Post'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> He had numerous private meetings President George W. Bush—who appointed him to serve two terms on a United States Commission—including a Shabbat dinner in 2004. Lapin serves on the board of the [[Jewish Policy Center]] in [[Washington, DC]].
According to a January 4, 2006 article in ''[[Newsweek]]'', Lapin urged supporters of President [[George W. Bush]]'s re-election to give campaign donations through Abramoff, helping Abramoff gain Bush "[[Bush Pioneer|Pioneer]]" status among top presidential fundraisers.


==Jack Abramoff’s Involvement with Toward Tradition==
Lapin wrote a response<ref>[http://www.towardtradition.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=149 Lifecodex - 01.11.2006 Jack Abramoff and Toward Tradition<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> to the ''Washington Post'' article where he denies any wrongdoing.
From 1996 to 2003, [[Jack Abramoff]] served on the board of [[Toward Tradition]], a now-closed [[conservatism | conservative]] [[Jewish]]-[[Christian]] organization Lapin founded. Lapin and Toward Tradition, along with more than 30 other organizations that were beneficiaries of Abramoff’s philanthropy, were mentioned in news accounts of the [[Abramoff-Reed Indian Gambling Scandal]] and in associated [[United States Senate | Senate]] hearings in 2005.


One year, Abramoff sent a donation check from the [[Capital Athletic Foundation]], an organization Abramoff controlled that has since become a key piece of the Abramoff corruption investigation. <ref>Postman, David and Bernton, Hal
(January 9, 2006) [http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=lapin09m&date=20060109 Abramoff used area foundation as conduit for money.] ''Seattle Times'' Retrieved 2009-12-15
</ref>[[The Washington Post]] reported in 2005 that Toward Tradition had received a $25,000 donation in 2000 from online gambling company [[eLottery]], a lobbying client of Jack Abramoff and his employer, [[Preston_Gates_Ellis | Preston Gates & Ellis]]. A 2006 follow-up article published by The Washington Post identified Toward Tradition as the "non-profit entity" referred to in Abramoff's [[plea bargain]] in relation to a $25,000 contribution made by Magazine Publishers of America, which had hired Abramoff for a campaign against the postal rate increase.


All of the money Toward Tradition received from eLottery and the Magazine Publishers of America was used to pay a salary to local event organizer Lisa Rudy, the wife of Tom DeLay aide [[Tony Rudy]], who was instrumental in killing an anti-gambling bill that eLottery and Abramoff were lobbying against. In March 2006, Tony Rudy pleaded guilty to one charge of [[Conspiracy (crime) | conspiracy]] relating to the money his wife had received from Toward Tradition.
===Fake awards===


In a 2006 response published by Seattle Weekly,<ref> Lapin, Daniel (January 8, 2006) [http://www.seattleweekly.com/2006-01-18/news/the-rabbi-responds The Rabbi Responds.]] ''Seattle Weekly'' Retrieved 2009-12-15</ref> Lapin said he and his board had no idea the money was part of Abramoff’s vast scheme to influence Congress.
Lapin and his organization Toward Tradition became a participant in the [[Abramoff-Reed Indian Gambling Scandal]] in 2005 because of information that surfaced during [[United States Senate|Senate]] hearings into Abramoff's dealings.


The Senate hearings revealed emails between Lapin and Abramoff, wherein Lapin was asked to create academic awards for [[Talmud]]ic studies &mdash; complete with letters and plaques &mdash; to help Abramoff gain admittance to the [[Cosmos Club]], an exclusive Washington, DC organization. <ref>''Washington Post'', 6/23/2005.</ref>
The Senate hearings also revealed emails between Lapin and Abramoff, wherein Lapin was asked to create academic awards for [[Talmud | Talmudic]] studies to help Abramoff gain admittance to the [[Cosmos Club]], an exclusive Washington, DC organization. When the Abramoff scandal broke in June 2005, Lapin told ''The Seattle Post Intelligencer'' “he could not recall the exchange with Abramoff” and had no recollection of the incident. In a formal statement issued in early 2006, Lapin denied having given Abramoff the awards and claimed the emails were a joke. No allegations of criminal wrongdoing on the part of Toward Tradition were ever made.

"I hate to ask your help with something so silly, but I have been nominated for membership in the Cosmos Club," Abramoff wrote. He noted that the club has "[[Nobel Prize]] winners, etc. Problem for me is that most prospective members have received awards and I have received none. I was wondering if you thought it possible that I could put that I have received an award from Toward Tradition with a sufficiently academic title, perhaps something like Scholar of Talmudic Studies? …Indeed, it would be even better if it were possible that I received these in years past, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I think you see what I am trying to finagle here!"

Lapin responded via email and the two apparently talked by phone. Finally Lapin e-mailed, "I just need to know what needs to be produced... letters? plaques? Neither?" Abramoff replied: "Probably just a few clever titles of awards, dates and that's it. As long as you are the person to verify them [or we can have someone else verify one and you the other], we should be set. Do you have any creative titles, or should I dip into my bag of tricks?"

Subsequently, Abramoff listed two 1999 awards from Toward Tradition and the [[Cascadia Business Institute]] on his official bio on the Greenberg Traurig website. <ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20031005194803/gtlaw.com/bios/govadmin/abramoffj.htm.</ref>

When the Abramoff scandal broke in June 2005, Lapin told ''The Seattle PI'' "he could not recall the exchange with Abramoff" and had no recollection of the incident. In a formal statement issued in early 2006, Lapin denied having given Abramoff the awards and claimed the emails were a joke:
<blockquote>Anyone familiar with Abramoff’s jocular and often fatally irreverent email style won’t be surprised that I assumed the question to be a joke. ... I regret the exchange. I should have candidly explained that Toward Tradition is not an academic institution and does not issue the kind of awards he described. ... On no occasion did I, Toward Tradition, or any organization with which I was affiliated ever create an award for, or present one to Jack Abramoff.</blockquote>

In October 2006, the House Government Reform Committee released a report <ref>http://www.senate.gov/~finance/press/Bpress/2005press/prb101206.pdf</ref> which included an October 2000 email <ref>http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/davidpostman/archives/2006/10/12/</ref> from Lapin to Abramoff in which Lapin had listed the details of the three promised awards.


==Writings==
==Writings==
Lapin has contributed articles to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', ''[[National Review]]'', ''[[Commentary (magazine)|Commentary]]'', ''[[American Enterprise Institute|The American Enterprise]]'', ''Crisis'', ''[[Jewish Action]]'' and the ''[[Washington Times]]''. Through Lifecodex Publishing, he has produced a series of audio CD Torah teachings entitled “Genesis Journeys.”


He is the author of:
Lapin has contributed articles to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', ''[[National Review]]'', ''[[Commentary (magazine)|Commentary]]'', ''[[American Enterprise Institute|The American Enterprise]]'', and the ''[[Washington Times]]'', and has taught at the [[Christian Coalition of America|Christian Coalition]], for the [[U.S. Army]], [[Harvard Law School]], and the [[Family Research Council]].


*''America’s Real War''
He is the author of:
*''America’s Real War'' <ref>http://www.thbookservice.com/products/BookPage.asp?prod_cd=C5147</ref>
*''Buried Treasure''
*''Buried Treasure''
*''Thou Shall Prosper''
*''Thou Shall Prosper''
*''Thought Tools 2008''
*''Tower of Power: Decoding the Secrets of Babel''
*''Madam I’m Adam: Decoding Marriage Secrets from Eden''
*''Perils of Profanity''



==References==
==References==
Line 100: Line 86:
*[http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com/ Official Rabbi Daniel Lapin site]
*[http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com/ Official Rabbi Daniel Lapin site]
*[http://www.pjcenter.com/whoweare.htm Pacific Jewish Center site]
*[http://www.pjcenter.com/whoweare.htm Pacific Jewish Center site]
*[http://www.ksfo560.com/showdj.asp?DJID=32341 KSFO-560 San Francisco]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/24/AR2005062401891_pf.html The Republicans' Rabbi-in-Arms (Washington Post June 2005)]
*[http://mediamatters.org/items/200512130001 Lapin on the war on Christmas]
*[http://blatherwatch.blogs.com/talk_radio/2005/05/rabbi_daniel_la.html Rabbi Daniel Lapin, a Long Look Backward]
*[http://www.americanhumanist.org/press/TTpress.html TT: Toward Tradition or Toward Theocracy?]
*[http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/index.php?tag=jack_abramoff Lapin and Toward Tradition Under Scrutiny in Abramoff Probe]
* {{cite news
|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0519/050511_news_lapin.html
|title=Meet the Lapin Brothers
|publisher=Seattle Weekly
|date=2005-05-11
|author=Rick Anderson
}}
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2005/06/23/GR2005062300088.html Excerpts from Jack Abramoff's e-mails to Rabbi Daniel Lapin]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Lapin, Daniel}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lapin, Daniel}}

Revision as of 19:25, 15 December 2009

Daniel Lapin (born c. 1950) is an American Orthodox rabbi living on Mercer Island, Washington. He is a rabbinic scholar, Torah teacher, author and radio talk show host. He was listed as one of the country’s top 50 rabbis in Newsweek in 2007[1] and as one of the top 50 Jewish leaders in The Forward in 1994.[2] Currently, Lapin is president of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians and—together with his wife—runs Lifecodex Publishing Company. He also founded the Pacific Jewish Center in Venice, California, which he headed for fifteen years, and later started Toward Tradition. Early in his career he co-founded and served as dean of the Hebrew Institute of California, also known as Kerem Yeshiva, and served as the head of the Cascadia Business Institute.

Early Life

Lapin was born in Johannesburg, South Africa to a family of Lithuanian Jewish descent. He attended schools in Johannesburg and London and later studied at yeshivas in both England and Israel. His father, Rabbi A. H. Lapin, a nephew of Rabbi Elya Lopian 1872-1970, served as a prominent and outspoken Orthodox rabbi in Johannesburg and Cape Town. A.H. Lapin and his wife, Maisie, left South Africa in 1977 to join their son, Rabbi Daniel, in San Jose, California, where he established an Orthodox synagogue (Am Echad ). Lapin's two brothers, David and Raphael, are also Orthodox rabbis and have similar educational backgrounds, having emigrated from South Africa to California to join their brother. His sister is married to an American rabbi, Michael Chill, and lives in New York.

Hebrew Institute of California and Pacific Jewish Center

In 1975 Lapin co-founded the the Hebrew Institute of California—also known as Kerem Yeshiva—together with Rabbi Matis Weinberg in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lapin served as dean for two years before moving to the Los Angeles area.

Together with Michael Medved, he then established the Pacific Jewish Center, which moved into an old semi-abandoned synagogue at 505 Ocean Front Walk in Venice, California. The center was viewed as part of the then-new Baal teshuva movement, which encourages religiously alienated young Jews to adopt and return to a more observant, traditional, God-centric Judaism. Lapin, who was known for his teachings on the traditional Jewish community model in which the rabbi is not employed by those he is to lead, served as the congregation’s unpaid rabbi until mid-1992.

Within a few years, the synagogue grew to several hundred members and its teaching reached the lives of more than 2,000 people [3] around the country. Lapin’s wife-to-be, Susan Friedberg, was one of the many young Jews who joined the Pacific Jewish Center. Their marriage in 1979 was the first wedding the synagogue had celebrated in nearly forty years. Actors Barbra Streisand,[4] Richard Dreyfuss and Elliot Gould, among others in the entertainment community, participated in the religious life of the Pacific Jewish Center. In 1979 Lapin and his wife founded the Emanuel Streisand Day School, named for benefactor Barbra Streisand’s late father. It was later renamed for Lapin’s great uncle and teacher, Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian, and became the Ohr Eliyahu Academy.

Radio and Television

In early 1992, Daniel Lapin and his family relocated to Mercer Island, Washington (near Seattle), where he focused on writing his first book and building the organization Toward Tradition. Starting in 1995, encouraged by his friends Bill Bennet and John Carlson, Lapin began broadcasting a weekly radio talk show on KVI-AM in Seattle. [5] [6] He moved on to KTTH-AM in 2002 and hosted his show there through 2006. Currently he hosts a radio show Sunday afternoons on KSFO-AM in San Francisco, which by mid-2009 had an Arbitron rating of 4.3.

In 2004 and 2005, Lapin and his wife hosted a weekly television show on KNMT in Portland, Oregon, in which they discussed Hebrew, which Lapin refers to as “secrets of The Lord’s Language.”

Lapin often guest hosts and does interview appearances on other radio shows around the country including the Michael Medved Show and the Mike Gallagher Show. Callers routinely introduce their comments by telling him “You’re my rabbi” in response to his radio show slogan, “Everybody needs a rabbi!”

Lapin has been interviewed on the programs of many radio and television stations including National Public Radio, MSNBC and Fox News and has been a frequent guest on The Dave Ramsey radio and television shows. He is a frequent guest on Christian television and has appeared regularly on Daystar Television Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network with Pastor John Hagee, Christian Broadcasting Network’s 700 Club with Pat Robertson, Paula White Ministries television, and the Total Christian Television network.

Speaking Engagements

As of late 2009, Lapin was spending much of his time delivering lectures at churches, synagogues, businesses and civic groups around the United States. He’s been referred to as a fluid, captivating speaker [7] and as a presenter “who brilliantly spins Talmudic parables into conservative themes.” [8] His Bible-centric speeches generally integrate the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Torah and contemporary issues facing people in the areas of marriage, business and career, relationships and religion. He has spoken for more than 100 groups including Harvard Law School, Texas A&M University, the Christian Coalition, the Heritage Foundation, the US Army and the Congressional bi-partisan reception for the 106th Congress. He has been invited to be the Scholar-in-Residence for Jewish communities in Washington, D.C., Texas, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois and California. He publishes an extensive list of past and future speaking engagements on his website.

Friendship With and Support for Conservative Christians

Lapin promotes conservative political principles intermixed with traditional religious observance. Together with Dennis Prager and Michael Medved, he was one of the Jewish voices in support of Mel Gibson's controversial film The Passion of the Christ, [9] and was a strong supporter of the efforts by Terri Schiavo's parents to keep their daughter alive. [10] He is also a strong supporter of Pope Pius XII and Pope Benedict XVI.

Lapin argues that the Torah is essentially a conservative blueprint that promotes values most would regard as traditional. In his first book, America’s Real War , he opposes separating religion from politics, writing that “politics is nothing other than the practical application of our most deeply held values.” He has defended the right of religious leaders to speak out on political issues such as abortion.[11] His best known assertion is that “America has provided the most tranquil and prosperous haven enjoyed by Jews in the past 2,000 years,” and that “this is not in spite of America being a Christian nation but precisely because of it.”

To some extent, Lapin's teachings are aligned with Modern Orthodox Judaism in that while he promotes observant Judaism, he is strongly in favor of observant Jews having interaction with other faith communities. He has called the United States the most "Jewish-friendly" state in history because of its Christian heritage, [12] and has said that “without a vibrant and vital Christianity, America is doomed.” [13]

Lapin retains close friendships with many Christian organizations and leaders including James Dobson and Focus on the Family, Pat Robertson and The 700 Club, Zig Ziglar, the Christian Coalition, Pastor John Hagee, The Legatus Organization and the Alliance Defense Fund.[14]

Positions on Other Issues

Homeschooling

Both Lapin and his wife are ardent enthusiasts of the homeschooling movement and homeschooled their seven children. [15] They address homeschooling conventions and counsel homeschoolers, particularly those within the small Jewish homeschooling community, on curriculum, socialization, and other related matters. They also have written for homeschooling publications such as Home Education Magazine.

Public Celebration of Christmas

Lapin has spoken against the secularization of Christmas, saying that "We see obsequious regard for faiths like Judaism and even Islam, while Christianity is treated with contempt." [16] He is opposed to replacing the “Merry Christmas” greeting with "Happy Holidays," saying instead "Let us all go out of our way to wish our many wonderful Christian friends a very merry Christmas,” adding that, “nationwide, Christmas Nativity scenes are banned from city halls and shopping malls but Chanukah menorahs are permitted.[17]

Wealth

Lapin has been quoted as saying that four basic desires exist to motivate people: Gold or wealth, Power or strength, Wisdom, and Honor. [18] In his book Thou Shall Prosper , he wrote that "God wants humans to be wealthy because wealth follows large-scale righteous conduct." He has also said that money "is God's gift for human interaction" because acquiring it requires people "to connect with as many people as possible, to be obsessed with the needs of as many people as possible." [19] He presents frequent motivational, sales training, and organizational development seminars for executives and employees of companies like Boeing and Nordstrom, as well as for the US Military.

Political Involvement

Lapin appears to have had little political involvement since 2005. Prior to that time he was regarded as “an influential conservative”[20] and the unofficial rabbi of the Republican Party, and was the keynote speaker for the Congressional Bi-Partisan Opening Ceremony for the 106th Congress of the United States on January 6, 1999.

A 2005 Washington Post article mentioned that Lapin would breakfast with Karl Rove and considered himself a "close friend" of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.[21] He had numerous private meetings President George W. Bush—who appointed him to serve two terms on a United States Commission—including a Shabbat dinner in 2004. Lapin serves on the board of the Jewish Policy Center in Washington, DC.

Jack Abramoff’s Involvement with Toward Tradition

From 1996 to 2003, Jack Abramoff served on the board of Toward Tradition, a now-closed conservative Jewish-Christian organization Lapin founded. Lapin and Toward Tradition, along with more than 30 other organizations that were beneficiaries of Abramoff’s philanthropy, were mentioned in news accounts of the Abramoff-Reed Indian Gambling Scandal and in associated Senate hearings in 2005.

One year, Abramoff sent a donation check from the Capital Athletic Foundation, an organization Abramoff controlled that has since become a key piece of the Abramoff corruption investigation. [22]The Washington Post reported in 2005 that Toward Tradition had received a $25,000 donation in 2000 from online gambling company eLottery, a lobbying client of Jack Abramoff and his employer, Preston Gates & Ellis. A 2006 follow-up article published by The Washington Post identified Toward Tradition as the "non-profit entity" referred to in Abramoff's plea bargain in relation to a $25,000 contribution made by Magazine Publishers of America, which had hired Abramoff for a campaign against the postal rate increase.

All of the money Toward Tradition received from eLottery and the Magazine Publishers of America was used to pay a salary to local event organizer Lisa Rudy, the wife of Tom DeLay aide Tony Rudy, who was instrumental in killing an anti-gambling bill that eLottery and Abramoff were lobbying against. In March 2006, Tony Rudy pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy relating to the money his wife had received from Toward Tradition.

In a 2006 response published by Seattle Weekly,[23] Lapin said he and his board had no idea the money was part of Abramoff’s vast scheme to influence Congress.

The Senate hearings also revealed emails between Lapin and Abramoff, wherein Lapin was asked to create academic awards for Talmudic studies to help Abramoff gain admittance to the Cosmos Club, an exclusive Washington, DC organization. When the Abramoff scandal broke in June 2005, Lapin told The Seattle Post Intelligencer “he could not recall the exchange with Abramoff” and had no recollection of the incident. In a formal statement issued in early 2006, Lapin denied having given Abramoff the awards and claimed the emails were a joke. No allegations of criminal wrongdoing on the part of Toward Tradition were ever made.

Writings

Lapin has contributed articles to the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Commentary, The American Enterprise, Crisis, Jewish Action and the Washington Times. Through Lifecodex Publishing, he has produced a series of audio CD Torah teachings entitled “Genesis Journeys.”

He is the author of:

  • America’s Real War
  • Buried Treasure
  • Thou Shall Prosper
  • Thought Tools 2008
  • Tower of Power: Decoding the Secrets of Babel
  • Madam I’m Adam: Decoding Marriage Secrets from Eden
  • Perils of Profanity


References

  1. ^ (April 2, 2007) The Top 50 Rabbis in America. Newsweek Retrieved 2009-12-15
  2. ^ (November 18, 1994), The Forward Fifty. The Forward
  3. ^ Formicola, Jo Renee & Morken, Hubert (2001) ‘‘Religious Leaders and Faith Based Politics-Ten Profiles.’’ (Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc.)
  4. ^ Wenig, Gaby (July 3, 2003) New Rabbi Hopes More Families Enjoy Sun, Surf and Shabbat at PFC “Jewish Journal of Los Angeles.” Jewish Journal Retrieved 2009-12-15
  5. ^ R. Cross, Charles (April 1998) Four Faces of Faith, Seattle Magazine
  6. ^ Green, Norman (July27, 1996) 'Hot Talk' Radio Rabbi Sees Role For The Right -- Conservatism Unites Faiths, Says Daniel Lapin., Seattle Magazine Retrieved 2009-12-15
  7. ^ Rosin, Hanna (June 25, 2005) The Republican’s Rabbi in Arms., The Washington Post Retrieved 2009-12-15
  8. ^ Green, Norman (July27, 1996) Hot Talk' Radio Rabbi Sees Role For The Right -- Conservatism Unites Faiths, Says Daniel Lapin., Seattle Magazine Retrieved 2009-12-15
  9. ^ Lapin, Daniel (February 25, 2004) The Dividers, National Review Retrieved 2009-12-15
  10. ^ Lapin, Daniel (April 5, 2005) His Gospel of Life. National Review Retrieved 2009-12-15
  11. ^ Vincent, Lynn (January 12, 2008) Estranged Allies. World Magazine Retrieved 2009-12-15
  12. ^ Newcombe, Jerry (2009) The Book That Made America, Nordskog Publishing, Retrieved 2009-12-15
  13. ^ Kennedy, Dr. D. James (2008) How Would Jesus Vote. Random House Waterbrook Press
  14. ^ Barnes, Fred (November/December 1995) The Orthodox Alliance. “American Enterprise Magazine”
  15. ^ R. Cross, Charles (April 1998) Four Faces of Faith, Seattle Magazine
  16. ^ Lapin, Daniel (November 24, 2005) Merry Christmas is Not Offensive -- Jews Should Protect Religious Freedom for Everyone. Orthodoxy Today Retrieved 2009-12-15
  17. ^ Barnes, Fred (November/December 1995) The Orthodox Alliance. “American Enterprise Magazine”
  18. ^ Ziglar, Zig (1998) Success for Dummies. IDG Books Worldwide Inc
  19. ^ Shapiro, Ninal (November 5, 2003) Blessed for Success. Seattle Weekly Retrieved 2009-12-12
  20. ^ Babington, Charles (September 14, 2000) Book Describes Clinton’s Close Call. Tampa Tribune
  21. ^ Rosin, Hanna (June 25, 2005) The Republican’s Rabbi in Arms., The Washington Post Retrieved 2009-12-15
  22. ^ Postman, David and Bernton, Hal (January 9, 2006) Abramoff used area foundation as conduit for money. Seattle Times Retrieved 2009-12-15
  23. ^ Lapin, Daniel (January 8, 2006) The Rabbi Responds.] Seattle Weekly Retrieved 2009-12-15
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Daniel_Lapin&oldid=331857195"