James Mackler on Principles & Values

Change broken system with Jewish tradition "Tikkun Olam"

The most important voice in my life is my wife, Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler. She often cites the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase meaning repair the world. "The fact that you cannot change everything doesn't absolve you of an obligation to try," she'll say.

It's my duty, and my mission, to try.

Wife is a rabbi at Congregation Ohabai Sholom

Together the Macklers are a power couple, if you will, at the convergence of religion and politics, working to help Tennessee, and the LGBT community, reach a better state.

In 2017, James resigned from his job and ran for U.S. Senate because he saw politics in Washington hurting Tennesseans. But, in December of 2017, Mackler stepped aside to support Governor Phil Bredesen.

Since withdrawing from the race, James has returned to practicing law, but he has also founded a political action committee (PAC) known as Believe in Service, an appropriate name for someone who believes in raising the issue of national service.