The Schmooze: November 2025

Known for his sharp wit and relentless drive, Rahm Emanuel is an extremely talented and dynamic American politician and diplomat.

Deemed “one of the highest profile chiefs of staff in recent memory” by The New York Times , Emanuel has shaped policy and leadership at the highest levels of government, leaving his mark on Chicago, the U.S., and even abroad.

The Windy City native attended Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and graduated from New Trier High School. Despite being awarded a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet, Emanuel attended Sarah Lawrence College, where he was elected to the student senate. He returned to Chicago to pursue his master’s degree in speech and communication from Northwestern University, which he received in 1985.

Passionate about Israel, Emanuel took part in the Sar-El, a two-week Israel civilian volunteer holiday and assisted the IDF during the 1991 Gulf War, helping to repair truck brakes in one of Israel’s northern bases.

Emanuel began his political career with Illinois Public Action, and went on to serve in a number of capacities in local and national politics, initially specializing in fundraising for Illinois campaigns, and then nationally.

Emanuel served as an advisor to President Bill Clinton before being elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2003. He was named Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama in 2009.

Two years later, Emanuel became Chicago’s first Jewish mayor serving two terms from 2011 to 2019.

Most recently, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Since returning home, Emanuel joined CNN as a political commentator and is a contributing columnist to The Washington Post .

What was the last book you read?

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York .

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

The Godfather Part II .

What’s your favorite Jewish food?

A good falafel sandwich.

What are you listening to these days?

Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Kane Brown.

Who was the last person you texted on your phone?

My wife, Amy.

If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?

My family. All three of my kids are all over the country so I’d love to have everyone back home for a Shabbat dinner.

If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?

An early childhood educator.

Who are two of your biggest role models?

I can’t pick just two, so I’m going to have to say my father, the two presidents who I’ve worked for, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

What are you currently binging on TV?

MobLand .

If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?

This is a great country. You have to do a minimum of one year of public service because you have to give back to your country.