Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America congratulated President George W. Bush upon his re-election to the presidency. Leaders of the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization sent the President a letter, excerpts of which are as follows:

Dear President Bush,

We write to you on behalf of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America to extend our warmest congratulations upon your re-election to the presidency.

We have been proud to be partners with you and your Administration over the last almost-four years in pursuing an array of public policy initiatives for the betterment of American and the world community. On foreign policy, we have worked with you to promote the security of the State of Israel and supported your aggressive approach to the global war on terrorism. Domestically, we have partnered with you to protect religious liberty, support the family, promote government support for faith-based institutions, enact and expand education reform…..

We look forward, Mr. President, to continuing this productive partnership with you in your second term…. In the Talmud’s Ethics of the Fathers, the rabbis teach: “It is not incumbent upon you to complete the task at hand, but neither are you free to desist from trying.” America is on a perpetual journey toward creating an ever more perfect union. May the Almighty bless you in your second term with the wisdom and the strength to continue to lead America ever closer to this noble goal….