Rabbi Zoldan Declares Voting a Religious Commandment
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yehuda Zoldan declared at the "Hineni" conference that voting in elections is a religious commandment tied to governance and sovereignty. He encouraged participation as a way to empower elected officials and influence policy. While acknowledging the diversity of opinions within the Religious Zionist public, he praised the party's recent work, noting areas for improvement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yehuda Zoldan stated voting in elections is a religious commandment related to governance.
- He encouraged participation in elections to empower elected officials.
- Zoldan linked voting to the "Hineni" movement's principles.
- He acknowledged diversity within the Religious Zionist public.
- He praised the Religious Zionist party's recent work while noting areas for improvement.
Rabbi Yehuda Zoldan stated at the "Hineni" conference that voting in elections is, in his view, a religious commandment connected to governance and sovereignty. He explained that while voting is a civic right, it also fulfills a "mitzvah" (commandment) related to the Jewish people's rule and sovereignty. Rabbi Zoldan linked this to the "Hineni" movement, associated with Rabbi Chaim Druckman, asserting that political engagement is a natural extension of its principles.
He emphasized that participation in elections allows the public to empower their elected officials and influence the continuation of their work. "Once every four years, we get to fulfill this commandment," he remarked, highlighting the importance of citizen involvement. When asked if he truly considered voting a commandment, he affirmed, citing the biblical principle of appointing a king, and drawing a parallel to the concept of governance and sovereignty in modern Israel.
Rabbi Zoldan also addressed the diversity within the Religious Zionist public, acknowledging differing views on religious, social, and economic issues. He described the community as "very, very high quality" with varied worldviews and directions. Despite this diversity, he expressed appreciation for the work of the Religious Zionist party in recent years, while also noting that there is "much to fix, much to add and improve."
