Rabbi Argues Against Voting Based Solely on Conscience, Citing Political Ramifications

Rabbi Yoel Katan is responding to Rabbi Eli Bazak's argument that voters should cast their ballots according to their conscience, leaving political calculations to politicians. Katan contends that when a vote could lead to wasted ballots and impact the future of the religious-nationalist bloc, the practical outcome cannot be ignored. Rabbi Bazak, a prominent rabbi from Har HaMor Yeshiva, urged readers of 'Arutz 7' to vote for the Noam party in the upcoming elections, framing the decision not around political influence but solely on 'conscience.' He argued that concerns about losing votes and potentially undermining the entire religious-nationalist bloc are not considerations for the average citizen. Katan criticizes this view as irrational, especially when it comes to significant national decisions. He expresses concern that prominent rabbis are making pronouncements that could lead thousands of students to make choices that endanger the community, contrasting this with the views of other rabbis who hold opposing opinions. Katan respects the rabbis and students of Har HaMor but insists that the term 'rational' is misused. He questions the rationality of risking the future of the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and its Torah in such a critical election. Katan urges readers not to vote for the Noam party, calling it dangerous and detrimental to Jews, and hopes its voters will be few so as not to jeopardize the religious-nationalist public or elect unsuitable leaders.