Opinion

Bob Menendez must step down. New Jersey deserves better

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner

Updated October 4, 2023 at 4:25 PM·3 min read

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Bob Menendez should step down from his Senate seat.

Senator Bob Menendez is shown outside U.S. District Court, on Pearl Street in the Southern District of New York, after he pleaded not guilty during an arraignment to, one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

To be clear, I voted for Menendez twice. Few people in the history of the U.S. Senate have been better champions of the United States' relationship with Israel than Menendez, and the U.S. Congress has known no better lion who consistently stood up to the feckless and evil Iranian regime than the senior senator from New Jersey. On almost every issue that I care passionately about, from global warming to sanctions against Cuba to gun control and a woman’s right to choose, Menendez and I have stood shoulder to shoulder.

However, the allegations against the senator and his spouse are far too odious and corrupt for him to face them while serving in this honored role.

Of course, Menendez deserves the presumption of innocence and is entitled to due process and a fair trial. I hope he gets those things. But they should not happen concurrently with his position as senator or while he is seeking reelection.

There are three reasons why I express these passionate feelings:

Public confidence erodes

First, when allegations like these are made against people holding or seeking elected office, it sullies the position they hold and corrodes confidence in the public trust. These are serious allegations that bring into question not only legal matters, but moral choices. Before someone can continue in such a role, this query and process must be exhausted. The job of a United States senator is too demanding a task, with a serious set of responsibilities, without any allegations lodged against someone. It is impossible to think that Menendez can stay laser-focused on his role that the citizens of New Jersey elected him to hold while defending himself in this investigation and while a lengthy trial unfolds.

Legal matters vs. constituent needs

Second, indictments and trials weigh down a constituency. Menendez’s current legal battles and his political future are intrinsically connected. He will be a relentless target of the media. These allegations will pollute the airwaves and become fodder for late-night quips. The issues and needs of the people Menendez represent will inevitably fall down the pole of importance while he realigns his priorities for political survivorship. I worry that if Menendez is exonerated, retribution will rank higher than governance, and then the public loses even more.

Democrats must lead by example

Last, having Menendez hold on to his Senate seat reeks of hypocrisy. It is impossible for any Democrat to stand on a moral high ground and wag a finger at the likes of Donald Trump, George Santos, Rudy Giuliani, Michael Flynn, Jim Jordan, Peter Navarro and Matt Gaetz — to name a few — and to ignore the alleged misdeeds of their own. A party has to lead by example, not follow the path of least resistance.

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The Jewish tradition that has guided my life and served as my North Star reminds me thrice daily that leadership requires responsibility. Further, it requires me to celebrate achievements and demands that I rebuke offenses. I do not write this opinion with relish. It pains me. I am sad for my home state of New Jersey, and my country.

Nevertheless, the moment beckons me to use my religious voice to add to the chorus of leaders asking the senator to step down for the sake of New Jersey and her citizens. If Menendez really loves the Garden State and its populace, he will do just that, immediately.

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner is the senior rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Closter. He is a past president of the North Jersey Board of Rabbis and a fellow at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, Israel, and was appointed to the New Jersey Israel Commission by Gov. Chris Christie and Gov. Phil Murphy, respectively.