Top Rabbi Rejects Religious Authority Over Election Choices
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, declared that rabbis have no religious authority to tell people whom to vote for, calling such directives "words of vanity." He explained that there is no Halachic basis for such instructions and that rabbis should not use religious platforms for political endorsements. Stav also shared personal anecdotes and expressed his commitment to keeping religious teachings separate from partisan politics to remain universally accessible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi David Stav stated rabbis lack religious authority to dictate voting choices, calling such directives "words of vanity."
- There is no Halachic basis or section in the Shulchan Aruch that mandates voting for a specific party, Stav argued.
- Stav criticized the use of religious platforms for political endorsements, deeming it a misuse of the Torah's name.
- He recalled a personal experience where a rabbi permitted voting differently from his own political preference.
- Stav aims to keep his organization, Tzohar, and his Torah teachings separate from partisan politics.
- He believes the compromises of political life can negatively impact rabbis who enter the political arena.
Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, stated that rabbis lack the religious authority to dictate to the public whom to vote for, calling such directives "words of vanity." He argued that there is no Halachic basis, or section in the Shulchan Aruch, that mandates voting for a specific party or candidate. Stav made these remarks on the "Big View" podcast, emphasizing that while rabbis may express their opinions, they must also acknowledge their limitations.
Recalling his time at the Merkaz Harav yeshiva, Rabbi Stav shared an anecdote about Rabbi Zvi Yehuda, who strongly supported the National Religious Party (Mafdal). Stav and his peers wished to vote for the Tkhiya party, and after consulting Rabbi Tau, they were told it was permissible to vote differently from Rabbi Zvi Yehuda's preference, as it was not a matter of Halacha.
Stav criticized the political sermons of Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, stating that using a religious platform to discuss politics is problematic and misuses the name of the Torah. He asserted that while one can argue which party is best for the Jewish people, claiming it as a divine commandment is baseless. He also commented on rabbis entering politics themselves, suggesting the compromises and complexities of political life can tarnish their spiritual standing, and expressed his desire to keep Tzohar and his Torah study separate from partisan politics to remain accessible to all.
He further discussed the notion of "Da'at Torah" (Torah's opinion) in the context of elections, differentiating between a rabbi's personal opinion on what is best for the nation and a binding religious ruling. Stav noted that even prominent rabbis have supported secular leaders for broader national considerations, which is separate from Halachic guidance on voting.
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