They say politics and religion don't mix. There hasn't been a Jewish American on the vice presidential ticket since Al Gore tapped Joe Lieberman back in 2000. If, however, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro would be Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick for the ticket, the rabbi at temple Anshe Hesed said in the current climate of antisemitism in the U.S., it would mean a lot to Jewish Americans.

"It's not like he's going to be the you know, champion of the Jews, that's not his role but he certainly comes with a level of understanding and sympathy and and empathy for not only the Jewish community but for other minority communities who are, who face racism and hatred," Rabbi Rob Morais said.

Rabbi Morais said it was stunning to see talented Ivy League higher education professionals stumble on how to define antisemitism on their campuses.  But he noted, Governor Josh Shapiro was among the first to call them out.  "They were so caught up in the internal politics of not admitting to anything that they didn't realize what was at stake and the fact that governor Shapiro stood up and basically called them out especially...University of Pennsylvania, was incredible."

Morais and his wife Korlyn were among statewide guests invited to the the governor's mansion in Harrisburg for a Hanukkah party last year.  "He really feels Judaism is an important part of of his life, and he has integrated Jewish aspects into into the governor's mansion," Morais said.

But the rabbi believes Shapiro's sensitivity to faith is about more than being Jewish.  He cited how as Pennsylvania attorney general he worked to exposed the clergy abuse scandal and to bring justice to victims.

"If justice is needed, then here is an opportunity to make sure that people are held accountable in the same way that he held the the university presidents accountable," Rabbi Morais said. "

He held the the the church accountable and I think that's that's just another example of the way in which he he functions."