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Temple of the Arts Historical Highlight - When Hillary Clinton Talked to Us About Forgiveness

Accompanied by Rabbi David Baron, then Sen. Hillary Clinton carries a candle in memory of the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the earthquake in South Asia

reprinted from the Los Angeles Times: Friday, Oct. 14, 2005 by K. Connie Kang

"Forgiveness may not take away our pain, but the act of offering it will keep us from being sucked into the downward spiral of resentment." - Hillary Clinton

Taking a break from fundraising in Hollywood, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday dropped in on services for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, at a Beverly Hills synagogue and spoke about a subject close to her heart: forgiveness.

"I've had quite a bit of opportunity to think about forgiveness," the former first lady told about 2,000 people at Temple of the Arts on Wilshire Boulevard.  "Forgiveness is not a luxury.  It's a responsibility.  Forgiveness may not take away our pain, but the act of offering it will keep us from being sucked into the downward apiral of resentment."

But the New York Democrat, who spoke without notes, also said learning 'the lessons of forgiveness" is hard.

"It takes years, if at all, for them to become rooted in our own souls and hearts in a way that opens our minds and our souls to the real profound meaning and opportunity that forgiveness offers," she said.

Rabbi David Baron, who invited Clinton to speak a year ago, said her insights on forgiveness 'touched' his heart and that of his congregation.

 

History of Temple of the Arts

This vision of Rabbi David Baron, who founded the Temple in 1992, is a unique approach that encourages artists with diverse backgrounds to create new expressions of Jewish worship and allows for a heightened experience, easily accessed by people of any background. 

Founding Rabbi David Baron, who pioneered the fusion of religion through music, drama and dance helped make Temple of the Arts the largest arts synagogue in the United States.

Under Rabbi Baron's dynamic spiritual leadership, the Temple of the Arts has grown with ground breaking creative endeavors, some of which include widely attended services with stimulating international programs. Rabbi Baron has made available the first Jewish art prayer books: most notably the Chagall High Holy Day prayer book, “Sacred Moments” and Our Siddur, “Sacred Space”.  Temple of the Arts has also broadcast the first internationally televised and webcast Yom Kippur service for the homebound.