Yet the fact that Purim falls on the calendar directly opposite Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement – reminds us that with our revelry must also come introspection, with our joking must come a deep reckoning with what pains us.

At its onset, many viewed Donald Trump’s candidacy as a lighthearted continuation of his television persona: a larger-than-life businessman with a gift for gab and salesmanship. As the months have progressed, however, it is clear that his candidacy is no joke.

He has crafted a message that includes appeals to bigotry aimed at Muslims, Hispanics, people with disabilities and women. He has refused to repudiate those who participate in or condone violence at his rallies or in his name. All this as he continues to rack up primary victories. Trump and his campaign must be taken seriously.

When he makes abhorrent generalizations about Mexican immigrants by referring to them as criminals and “rapists”; when he defames women through sexist characterizations; when he traffics in stereotypes about Jews and money; when he refuses to disavow remarks suggesting a religious test for office made by speakers he invites to share his stage; and when he speaks favorably about the use of torture – Trump must be taken seriously.

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On Monday night, Trump is scheduled to participate in the AIPAC Policy Conference alongside several other presidential candidates. I am a longtime attendee and proud leader of this annual event, where I join with my congregants and thousands of others to think and act in ways that convey our pro-Israel values and support the American-Israeli relationship.

The announcement that Trump will be among those speaking this year has prompted much discussion and soul searching. All attendees will choose their own way to declare their views when it comes to the values Trump has espoused. Some delegates will listen in stoic silence. Others will exit the hall to join with leaders of the Reform Movement using the time to study Jewish values of leadership and human dignity.

I became a rabbi to preach the values of a faith that stands for the dignity of all humankind. I know that a world modeled on wholeness, justice and compassion is one that is strong. The prophet Micah dreamed of a vision that “each shall sit under their vine and fig tree, and none shall make them afraid.” He knew, as I know, that allowing fear and hatred to pollute our thinking takes us further away from a world that welcomes all and uplifts all who seek peace.

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My decision not to attend Trump’s speech is not a statement of opposition to his candidacy and is not a protest of AIPAC’s choice to invite him. Rather, it is my way of making clear that his statements are his responsibility to repudiate, not my responsibility to rationalize.

It is up to Trump to renounce these comments, and to meet with leaders of the Reform Movement to clarify his views and values. Should he choose to do this, I pray that he will do so in a way that recognizes that a great country is one that eschews fear, violence and hate, and recognizes the dignity of all.

Peter S. Berg is the senior rabbi of The Temple, a Reform synagogue in Atlanta.