Rabbi Smotrich Explains Spiritual Significance of Voting
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Chaim Yerucham Smotrich described his practice of wearing a suit and voting early on election day, viewing it as a sacred duty. He explained that election outcomes are crucial for the nation's well-being, affecting war, justice, and the economy. Rabbi Smotrich also voiced opposition to minority governments relying on non-Jewish votes, calling it a "fundamental deficiency."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Chaim Yerucham Smotrich views voting as a sacred duty and a mitzvah.
- He wears a suit and votes immediately after morning prayers on election day.
- Smotrich stated that election outcomes impact war, justice, and the economy.
- He opposes minority governments that rely on non-Jewish votes.
- Smotrich described this opposition as a "spiritual deficiency, a fundamental deficiency."
Rabbi Chaim Yerucham Smotrich explained his personal practice of wearing a suit and voting immediately after morning prayers on election day, viewing participation as a sacred duty. He stated that while voting is a mitzvah, it does not require a specific blessing, similar to other commandments.
Rabbi Smotrich elaborated on the profound spiritual meaning he attributes to elections, asserting that "we are now appointing a king" and that the outcomes affect critical aspects of national life, including war, justice, and the economy. He emphasized that these decisions pertain to the "life-saving of the nation," posing a rhetorical question about the magnitude of this responsibility.
Furthermore, Rabbi Smotrich addressed his opposition to a minority government that relies on non-Jewish votes. He invoked the halachic concept of "rovo k'kulo," meaning the majority represents the whole, to explain his principled stance. He argued that if the majority of 61 Knesset members is achieved through non-Jewish support, the fundamental essence of the Jewish majority is undermined.
He stressed that this is not merely an administrative or logistical issue but a "spiritual deficiency, a fundamental deficiency." Rabbi Smotrich concluded by highlighting the sanctity of participating in public decision-making, stating that through such actions, "we fulfill and express the entire nation of Israel, and this is holiness."
