Rabbi Neugershel Links Voting to Basic Commandments, Criticizes "Working" Haredi Political Group
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Mordechai Neugershel stated that voting in elections is a commandment from Torah leaders, comparing it to observing basic religious precepts. He strongly criticized a new political organization representing "working" Haredim, accusing it of harming the community and distancing itself from Torah leadership. The Rabbi emphasized the integral role of working Haredim within the broader Torah world and their historical partnership with scholars. He also addressed public disappointment with Haredi politicians, stating it should not affect obedience to religious directives.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Mordechai Neugershel stated voting is a commandment from Torah leaders, akin to basic religious precepts.
- He criticized a political group for "working" Haredim, saying it harms and humiliates them.
- Neugershel asserted that political disappointment should not override obedience to Torah leaders' instructions.
- He called working Haredim "sons of Zebulun," highlighting their partnership with Torah scholars.
- The Rabbi argued the new group creates a separate identity for working Haredim, distancing them from leadership.
Rabbi Mordechai Neugershel, who typically avoids political commentary, stated in a lecture that voting in elections is a commandment from Torah leaders, akin to observing fundamental religious precepts. He clarified that his remarks were his own and not connected to any political party. Rabbi Neugershel questioned the need to persuade people to vote, comparing it to needing to convince people to observe Yom Kippur. He asserted that obeying the directives of Torah scholars is as crucial as performing rituals like reading the Megillah, blowing the Shofar, or taking a Lulav, stating that any further explanation is unnecessary.
Addressing disappointment with Haredi Knesset members, Rabbi Neugershel sharply remarked, "Are you disappointed that the Knesset members didn't do anything? Then eat pork. What does that have to do with anything?" He emphasized that political disappointment should not interfere with obedience to Torah leaders' instructions. The Rabbi also strongly criticized a political organization aiming to represent "working" Haredim, claiming it harms the very community it purports to serve and has "humiliated them to the ground."
Rabbi Neugershel, identifying himself as part of the "working" Haredi community, explained that they are integral to the world of Torah and share full partnership with Torah scholars and leaders. He argued that the new political group is attempting to create a separate identity for working Haredim by distancing themselves from Torah leadership and adopting stances contrary to the broader Haredi community. He specifically criticized the formation of an independent political framework without consulting Torah leaders, the inclusion of women on their list, and their positions on the conscription of Haredim. According to him, these actions create the impression that working Haredim wish to detach from the world of Torah and its spiritual guidance.
He referred to working Haredim as "sons of Zebulun," highlighting their historical partnership with Torah scholars. "The working Haredim, i.e., Zebulun, are meant to be Torah scholars no less than their learning partners," he stated, adding that they "want to be part of the Torah ship even when it is rocking between waves that threaten to drown it."
