In a few days, the Jewish world will begin to celebrate the High Holy days beginning with the new year, Rosh Hashanah.
While many in the secular world use January 1 to make personal resolutions, merriment and party preparations are overwhelmingly the norm. In Jewish custom, new year holiday preparation is marked by the daily sounding of the shofar. Indeed, the piercing call stimulates a month-long reflection on what one has accomplished in the year that has passed, as well as examination of one’s personal conduct and relationships. The reflection and examination lead to positive resolutions for the year ahead.
In this spirit, I’d like to share some reflections on my experience running for governor last year.
Of course, the point of the campaign was to win the election. I truly believe the best way to do that is by conducting a campaign that allows voters to get close and personal with the candidate and to communicate a message that appeals to all New Jereyans. Dividing voters along geographic, racial or religious lines is not who I am. While some deploy that kind of campaign strategy to win elections, it leads to disenfranchisement and makes governing extremely difficult. While different regions and ethnic and religious groups have their unique challenges, we are one New Jersey.
Throughout the campaign, I introduced many ideas on how to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and bring up a family. The Talmud teaches, “If you begin a good action, leave it not incomplete.” I take this teaching to heart. And so, I have not stopped advocating for the positive changes we so desperately need.
We all know that New Jersey is the most diverse state in the country. There is power and beauty in that diversity if we embrace it. Now, more than ever, we desperately need steadfast commitment to virtues like inclusivity, tolerance, mutual respect and, as per the well-known Torah verse, “Love your fellow as yourself.” That includes calling out hate the moment we see it. This is the responsibility of every citizen.
As a candidate for governor, my job was to demonstrate positive energy; discuss critical issues; and set an example on how to talk about the issues. For that very reason, I took immense pride in going anywhere and everywhere, always observing my rule of thumb: Listen first. Traveling the state as a gubernatorial candidate provided an exceptional opportunity to do just that and, of course, offer solutions.
I am proud of what our campaign accomplished. The energy. The reinvigoration. The mobilization of people who were never involved before. Proud of how our Election Day wins brought better balance to power, especially in the state legislature.
I’m also proud to say that no candidate in history spent as much time in New Jersey’s Jewish communities as I did. When I visited, we talked about school choice and funding, economic development, zoning issues, infrastructure, hate crimes, and New Jersey’s relationship with Israel, where I was happy to visit to meet with civic, business and religious leaders.
My presence, willingness to listen and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving seemed to be very well received. In the end, I was humbled to garner overwhelming support in New Jersey’s Jewish communities.
These are not easy times. Hyperpartisanship, polarization, hate and the great political divide are our great challenges. Rosh Hashanah being a contemplative holiday, and the period of introspection and repentance that follows, which culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, is powerful impetus. Not just for Jews, but for all.
I wish you Shana Tova U’metuka. May you be signed and sealed in the Book of Life.
Jack Ciattarelli was the 2021 Republican nominee for New Jersey governor and a likely 2025 gubernatorial candidate. Ciattarelli is a life-long New Jersey resident and married father of four adult children; a certified public accountant (inactive); and a two-time successful entrepreneur who owned and operated successful medical publishing companies based in New Jersey. He has previously held elected office at the municipal, county and legislative levels.
