When you think of Jewish values you naturally think of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sean Penn. Actually, no, not really. You don’t think of any of them.
But on May 18, Christie will keynote the second annual Champions of Jewish Values International Awards Gala. The release is pretty hysterical. This World: The Values Network, founded by “media icon” Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, will host Christie, Booker, Penn and others at Cipriani in Manhattan. According to the release, The Washington Post and Newsweek consider Shmuley to be the “most famous rabbi in America.” Because that’s what we most look for in a rabbi…fame.
The honorees of the evening who apparently most promoted Jewish values in the mainstream culture last year include Booker, Amb. Ron Dermer of Israel, Academy-Award winning actor Penn, and anti-genocide campaigner John Prendergast, all of whom will be honored at the event.
Ahh….here we go. This is why this shindig is so important. The awards dinner is hosted by global Jewish philanthropists Dr. Miriam and GOP presidential sugar daddy SHELDON ADELSON and Judy and Michael Steinhardt. Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and other public and private sector leaders, will attend.
Somehow this all seems ripe for a skit on Saturday Night Live.