Rabbi Elikim Levanon Calls for Torah's Influence on Politics
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Elikim Levanon advocated for the Torah's influence on politics at the Religious Zionism party's "Hineni" conference. He urged yeshiva students to encourage voter turnout in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that Torah must impact practical matters. Levanon expressed support for the Religious Zionism party, citing its commitment to both spiritual and material issues for the benefit of all Israelis.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Elikim Levanon urged Torah scholars to engage in politics and influence national decisions.
- He called on young attendees to mobilize voters for the upcoming elections.
- Levanon voiced support for the Religious Zionism party, praising its dual focus on spiritual and material matters.
- The rabbi stated that Torah's influence should extend beyond the spiritual to practical actions.
- He cited the party's work in cities like Ashkelon and Netivot as beneficial to the general public.
Rabbi Elikim Levanon spoke at the "Hineni" conference, organized by the Religious Zionism party, emphasizing the connection between Torah scholarship and political engagement. He stated that Torah should not remain solely in the spiritual realm but must "come down and influence and determine the practical ways." Levanon referenced the concept of "divine politics" attributed to Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, asserting that involvement in politics is a natural extension of Torah's role in national life.
He expressed support for the Religious Zionism party, describing it as a movement that balances spiritual and material concerns, citing its work in areas such as settlement, the military, and Torah education. Levanon highlighted the party's efforts in cities like Ashkelon and Netivot as examples of its commitment to the broader Israeli public, not just its own constituents.
Addressing the young attendees, including yeshiva students, Rabbi Levanon urged them to actively encourage voter turnout in the upcoming elections. He implored them to reach out to the public, knock on doors, and stress the importance of every vote for the future of the nation. Levanon concluded by underscoring the significance of the upcoming elections for Israel's next four years, framing the conference as the start of a campaign push.
