During Barack Obama’s campaign, media and voters drew attention (and drama) to his religiosity—what’s his connection with Muslims?!  With Rev. Jeremiah Wright?!

Obama chose fellow Chicagoian Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff, unfortunately subjecting Emanuel to some of the religious scrutiny and speculation that spotted the president-elect’s campaign. 

So perhaps it’s worthwhile to set the religious records straight: Emanuel attends Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel, a modern orthodox synagogue in Lakeview.  Here’s 10 minutes with Asher Lopatin, the synagogue’s rabbi and Emaneul’s “spiritual leader.” 

Emanuel is known for his aggressive temper and fierce political style on Capitol Hill, but Rabbi Lopatin says he keeps his cool at shul: “I haven't seen any of that in the synagogue, that's all I can say! Rahm is very self-aware, he's aware of his image, he's aware of all the stories about him. But, when he comes to synagogue, he comes to pray, he comes to be with his family. He's not in synagogue to talk politics. We don't call him Rahmbo here!”

Emanuel looks to his rabbi for advice on religious matters and how to make his political obligations fit within the rules orthodox practice.  He’s been described as a “committed Jew,” and I don’t doubt that—Emanuel even spent some time volunteering with the Israeli military during the Gulf War, according to a profile by the New York Times.

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