In 2008, at a fundraiser honoring Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Clinton described her relationship with him using a Jewish reference. What did Hillary say?
A. You know, Rahm and I have been through a lot together. Now, there’s a word my family always used when I was growing up to describe the relationship you have with someone who understands where you come from, your roots, your values. That’s the word we used in the Rodham household in Park Ridge, Illinois. The word was…“landsman.” So, Rahm, we’re proud to consider you a landsman, an honorary member of the Rodham clan.
B. You know, Rahm and I have been through a lot together. Now, there’s a word my family always used when I was growing up to describe someone who always did the right thing, who always put others first, who always showed caring and compassion. That’s the word we used in the Rodham household in Park Ridge, Illinois. The word was...“mentsch.” So, Rahm, we’re lucky to have someone as special as you in our world, someone whose very being defines the word mentsch.
C. You know, Rahm and I have been through a lot together. Now, there’s a word my family always used when I was growing up to describe the feeling you have when someone you care deeply about does well in life. That’s the word we used in the Rodham household in Park Ridge, Illinois. The word was…“naches.” So, Rahm, I take great pride, great naches, from your success.
D. You know, Rahm and I have been through a lot together. Now, there’s a word my family always used when I was growing up to describe the relationship you have with someone who has shared triumph and hardship with you. That’s the word we used in the Rodham household in Park Ridge, Illinois. The word was...“mishpucheh.” So, Rahm, we’re lucky to have you as part of our family.
E. You know, I’ve been friends with Rahm’s father Gazzi, for many years. I remember attending Rahm’s bar mitzvah, and how moving it was when I heard the words, “Ya’amod, Rahm ben Gazzi ha-Maftir.” I saw the look of pride in Gazzi’s eyes at that moment as his son was called up. Rahm ben Gazzi. Rahm ben Gazzi. I knew that moment would always stay with me, and even now those words follow me every day. Rahm ben Gazzi. In my dreams (and nightmares) I still keep hearing those words. Ben Gazzi. Ben Gazzi.