Top Rabbi Rules Kosher Slaughterers Must Skip Overseas Trips to Vote
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prominent Rabbi Dov Lando ruled that kosher slaughterers must postpone overseas trips to ensure they can vote in upcoming elections. The decision came after Rabbi Raphael Mann presented the dilemma of slaughterers unable to return from distant locations in time. Rabbi Lando stressed the critical importance of every vote for the Jewish people, overriding concerns about lost income for the slaughterers. The slaughterers accepted the ruling, understanding the financial sacrifice involved in prioritizing their civic duty.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lando ruled kosher slaughterers must delay overseas trips to vote in upcoming elections.
- The ruling prioritizes national needs and every vote's importance over slaughterers' income.
- Rabbi Raphael Mann presented the dilemma to Rabbi Lando on behalf of the slaughterers.
- Travel to distant locations like South America would have prevented the slaughterers from returning.
- The slaughterers accepted the decision, acknowledging the financial sacrifice involved.
Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Lithuanian Torah leader, has issued a decisive ruling instructing kosher slaughterers to postpone overseas assignments to ensure they can participate in upcoming elections. The directive came in response to a query from Rabbi Raphael Mann, a kosher supervisor for Osem-Nestle and a follower of Rabbi Lando. Rabbi Mann presented the dilemma of slaughterers who were scheduled to travel abroad for kosher slaughtering duties shortly after the Sukkot holiday.
Several slaughterers faced a choice: travel to distant locations like South America, which would prevent their return in time for the elections, or forgo the trips, thereby forfeiting income. Rabbi Mann asked whether the slaughterers should delay their travel until after the elections, despite the financial implications.
Rabbi Lando's response was unequivocal, stating that elections represent "the needs of the many" and that "every single vote is very, very important for the Jewish people." He emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming elections for the Jewish people and the Torah world, instructing the slaughterers to postpone their flights. When the issue of lost income was raised, Rabbi Lando acknowledged it but reiterated that the elections were a paramount concern for the nation.
Rabbi Mann assured Rabbi Lando that the slaughterers understood the financial sacrifice involved in prioritizing their vote and would accept the ruling. Rabbi Lando concluded by offering a blessing for their sacrifice, wishing them abundant satisfaction, long life, and all good things.
