Vote in Elections is Religious Duty, Not Just Civil Right
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Eliezer Ben Poret argues that voting in elections is a religious duty for Jews, not just a civil right, particularly for those within Religious Zionism. He contends that abstaining from voting due to dissatisfaction with political leadership is a failure to fulfill religious obligations related to settling the Land of Israel and asserting Jewish sovereignty. Ben Poret emphasizes that each vote is crucial in the electoral process and that abstention weakens the religious Zionist camp, while also being a public expression of faith.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Voting in elections is a religious duty for Jews, not merely a civil right, argues Rabbi Eliezer Ben Poret.
- Abstaining from voting due to criticism of political leadership is a religious failure, according to Ben Poret.
- Participation in elections fulfills the religious commandment of settling the Land of Israel and asserting Jewish sovereignty.
- Voting serves as a public expression of faith and Jewish identity, akin to affirming the divine origin of the Torah.
- Each vote is practically significant in Israel's electoral system, and abstention weakens the religious Zionist camp.
- Criticism of leaders is easier for those not bearing public responsibility, Ben Poret states.
Rabbi Eliezer Ben Poret argues that participating in elections is a religious obligation for Jews, not merely a civil right, especially for those identifying with Religious Zionism. He addresses individuals who, despite ideological alignment with Religious Zionism, consider abstaining from voting due to dissatisfaction with political leadership. Ben Poret asserts that voting is a Torah commandment, rooted in two key religious principles.
The first principle, according to Ben Poret, relates to the commandment of settling the Land of Israel and Jewish sovereignty. He cites Nachmanides and other prominent halachic authorities who view settling and conquering the land as a single mitzvah, encompassing Jewish sovereignty. This principle, he explains, applies even when the prime minister is not religiously observant, referencing Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and the principle of "Dina d'Malkhuta Dina" (the law of the land is the law), which extends to Jewish rule in Israel. Therefore, participating in elections, which expresses this sovereignty, is seen as fulfilling a religious responsibility.
The second religious principle concerns the public expression of faith. Ben Poret draws an analogy to the public affirmation of the Torah's divine origin. He suggests that voting can serve as a similar act of faith, affirming the religious ideals of settling, conquering, and maintaining Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. This act, he contends, is also a public declaration of Jewish identity and a form of "Kiddush Hashem" (sanctification of God's name).
Ben Poret criticizes the idea of abstaining from voting due to criticism of political leadership. He argues that those not bearing public responsibility cannot fully grasp the complexities and pressures faced by leaders, making criticism from the sidelines easier but less informed. He also emphasizes the practical impact of each vote in Israel's electoral system, stating that abstention weakens the camp supporting the settlement of the land and strengthens opposing factions. He warns that votes for parties that do not pass the electoral threshold are also wasted, further diminishing the strength of the intended camp.
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