I generally try to avoid using this column for anything that might in the least seem to be political in nature. However, I feel compelled to depart from that standard due to the serious impact that a political decision may have on the principle of separation of Church and State in America.

Unbelievable, Allen Kaplan and Pat Robertson, one of the leading spokesmen of the Christian Right, agree on the same thing but for all the wrong reasons. I am unalterably opposed to the recent establishment by the White House of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. I oppose it because, no matter how well meaning is the intention behind this action, I fear the effort will further undermine the fundamental principle of the separation of Church and State that has guided this great nation from its earliest days. Pat Robertson is concerned and has said that he is appalled by the fact that the Federal government might grant contracts for programs run by non-Western religions and newer churches such as Scientology and the Unification (Moonies) Church.

Reverend Robertson is not opposed to the funneling of tax dollars to those religious organizations that feed the poor as part of their missionary program to convert the beneficiaries of the soup kitchens and other charitable activities of the Christian Right. In fact, Robertson supports the action of federal funding of such religious programs; he just wants to limit the organizations that would be entitled to the government subsidies.

Other opponents of this measure on the Christian Right are fearful that because they will be using government funds to finance programs that do include evangelization, the government may interfere in their work. They are concerned that if they give meals to the poor using federal funds, the government may prohibit them from the practice of ending the meal with a pitch to accept Jesus as their savior as they do now.

Of course, civil libertarian groups are opposed to this faith-based initiative. Most Jewish organizations are opposed to the new White House office, too. Now, thankfully, Pat Robertson and some of his allies are opposed too. Not for the same reasons, but, hopefully, this unusual confluence of opinion will help preserve one of the great principles of American life, the separation of Church and State.

Finally, as I conclude this message, let me wish each and every one of you my prayer that this Passover be one of sweetness and great joy. As you sit down at Seder, may the story of our great liberation bring new meaning to your spiritual life, enriching it, endowing it with greater significance. May you have a Happy and Joyful Passover