Rosh Hashanah Themes Intersect with Israeli Election Choices
As Israel approaches Rosh Hashanah, a period of spiritual reflection and prayer for divine sovereignty, the nation also faces upcoming elections. The article by Amir Moshe Ben-David explores the connection between these two significant events, urging Israelis to consider not just who will lead the country, but what ultimate purpose they wish to guide it towards.
Rosh Hashanah prayers center on the concept of God's sovereignty over the world, with congregants asking God to "reign over all the world in Your glory." This spiritual coronation is contrasted with the secular act of choosing national leadership. The author posits that the Jewish people's role as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" is to bring awareness of a creator and guide to proper living, a mission facilitated by the Torah and the Land of Israel.
The piece highlights the modern fulfillment of the "return to Zion" prophecy, with millions of Jews returning to Israel, Hebrew becoming a living language, Jerusalem re-emerging as a national center, and the establishment of a strong State of Israel after the Holocaust. However, it emphasizes that this is not the end goal but the beginning of a new phase, with the ultimate destiny of the Jewish people and the manifestation of divine presence still to be fully realized.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, they will grapple with practical concerns like security, economy, and cost of living. Ben-David encourages a deeper question: "What is the purpose of the Jewish people returning to its land?" He asks whether Israel is merely a safe haven or a tool for fulfilling the nation's destiny, urging a choice between a strong, prosperous state and a model Jewish society based on justice, kindness, and mutual responsibility.
The author calls on both voters and candidates to articulate a clear vision for Israel's future, beyond mere management. He suggests that in this election, Israelis should consider which party best embodies the vision of the return to Zion, the destiny of the Jewish people, and the aspiration for divine sovereignty, choosing leadership that aims to fulfill this purpose.
