New Florida Judge Takes The Bench With Jewish Prayer For Wisdom

Robert Luck

After Robert Luck was named to the Florida Supreme Court on Monday, he closed his speech, in which he posited he was the first Jewish member in 20 years, with a blessing from the Amidah, a prayer recited throughout services while standing.

“You grace humans with wisdom and teach humanity perception,” Luck said, according to Politico Florida reporter Marc Caputo. “Bestow upon us Your knowledge, insight and understanding. Blessed are you the grantor of wisdom.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Circuit Judge Luck to the Court on Monday morning, according to the Miami Herald. Caputo reported that DeSantis said Luck, who served less than two years on the Third District Court of Appeal, was a “man for all seasons.”

Luck shared the praise, applauding DeSantis for his support of “Israel and, by extension, the Jewish community.” He also guessed that he was the first Jewish member of the Florida Supreme Court in 20 years.

After Luck closed his speech with the Admiah, which is said thrice daily to give praise, petitions and thanks, DeSantis promised to soon give an announcement concerning Israel and Florida.

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at fisher@forward.com, or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

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