[INVITATION BELOW] Dr. Rich Roberts will not be attending the Trump inauguration, despite receiving a direct invitation via FedEx from the Inauguration Committee.
“I am involved in political activities to try to be an Eved Hashem and not for my own entertainment, pleasure, or aggrandizement,” Dr. Roberts told TLS. “Since I don’t envision how my attending these events will help the Jewish people, I can’t justify my attending in environments that we typically try to avoid as frum Jews. Therefore, I decided not to attend.”
Dr. Roberts served as the Vice Chairman of Trump’s Israel Advisory Committee (see exclusive interview here). He has also turned down an informal ambassadorship inquiry.
He added, “I am not criticizing anyone who attends, but this is how I approach my role in politics. The actual Inauguration ceremony is probably okay from a frum perspective, but other events are more problematic such as the “candlelight dinner” or the concert.”
Despite his heavy involvement in high-level politics, Dr. Roberts says he doesn’t see the need to attend these type of events to continue his work.
“I don’t need to attend these festivities to be able to continue my efforts to try to push our country in a healthy direction,” Dr. Roberts said.
And in case you were wondering, the invitation is not available.
“No one should contact me about getting these tickets since I am not giving them away,” Dr. Roberts quipped.
Click here to view the full invitation.
It comes out on Shabbos (Fri. night at 7:00) so it would be inappropriate for any Yid to go.
I am impressed…
Some people don’t realize Kol Isha etc… isn’t permitted even if u are a Macher…
Kudos Richie for clarification many will follow your lead.
It starts at 9:30 AM . Swearing in is at 12:00
The actual inauguration is Friday am and not at 7pm
Hats off too a true Eved Hashem! Truly commendable! Real respect! Lol hakovod!
He’s wrong for not going. He has a reponsibility for klal Yisroel and ומי יודע אם כעת הזאת הגעת למלכות.
Especially with all negating parties and democrats not going. Trump could use the support.
Minimum He should show face.
What a amazing person! I utilize his shul all the time. God bless!!
Wow. I had no idea the J stood for John. Who names a kid, Donald John ? No wonder he’s traumatized !!
I hope a Rav was consulted, being that with his influence this is a matter to be decided by Daas Torah…..Not by feelings.
Looks like a lot of these negative commentors did not read the article. Dr. Roberts said that in his opinion his presence will not impact any of his ability to accomplish anything. Nice to read all the oiber- chachomim arguing with him. If you can’t actually do anything, why not criticize those that are doing?