By Nathan Guttman September 21, 2010

Joe Sestak, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s Senate seat, wasn’t President Obama’s first choice for the job. The White House and Democratic leadership backed Arlen Specter for another term, in appreciation of his decision last year to cross party lines and join the Democratic side. But things didn’t work out that way. Sestak went on to win the Democratic nomination, and now he’s facing a tough race against Republican, Tea Party-endorsed Pat Toomey.

On Tuesday, President Obama demonstrated his full support for Specter’s usurper when he appeared at a Sestak fundraiser in Philadelphia that included a surprising dash of yiddishkeit.

Speaking to a hall that was, according to reports only a third-full, Sestak chose to introduce Obama by telling an ancient Jewish tale about two friends from the land of Israel who get in trouble in a foreign land and are saved thanks to their friendship. He then referred to Obama as a “warrior, who is truly a leader in that mission of Tikkun Olam,” using the Hebrew term meaning “repairing the world.” What was it that led the Catholic candidate to draw on Jewish traditions when introducing a Christian president to a mixed crowd?

Maybe it was the High Holiday spirit, or perhaps it was all the time Sestak has been spending lately with the Pennsylvania Jewish community trying to fend off attacks against him from Jewish right-wing groups.

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT