WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman's observance of Jewish law would not interfere with his duties as vice president, the senator's rabbi said Monday.
Barry Freundel, who leads the Orthodox Kesher Israel congregation here, told United Press International that the Connecticut Democrat's religious faith would not affect the execution of his office in any negative way.
The rules prohibiting work on the Jewish Sabbath are superseded by considerations of "the health, welfare or survival of anybody," the rabbi said.
On Monday, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore chose Lieberman to be his running mate.
If an important Senate vote or meeting falls on the Sabbath, Lieberman goes, Freundel explained, but he does not attend purely political events.
"I think it's pretty terrific when you have a politician for whom politics is not the most important thing in his life," Freundel said, adding that Lieberman does not consult his rabbi for public policy decisions.
The senator "keeps his own counsel," Freundel said. "I'm sure he's aware of Jewish teachings, but that's not the only thing he's influenced by."
Asked whether an Orthodox Jewish man is required to have a beard, Freundel answered in the negative. Rules prohibit a straight edge from being applied to the face, the rabbi said, but not a scissors. The scissorslike mechanism of most electric razors is acceptable, he said, and some men use a depilatory.
