Ultra-Orthodox Rabbinical Court Urges Election Boycott
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
The Badatz of the Edah HaChareidis rabbinical court in Jerusalem has issued a ruling urging its followers to boycott the upcoming Knesset elections. The ruling, signed by Rabbi Mordechai Sternbuch and other prominent rabbis, cites historical prohibitions and warns against desecration of God's name and association with secular laws. The court stated that participants will be held responsible for the consequences of their involvement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Edah HaChareidis rabbinical court issued a ruling calling for a boycott of the Knesset elections.
- The ruling, signed by Rabbi Mordechai Sternbuch and other rabbis, reaffirms a long-standing policy.
- The court cited historical rabbinic prohibitions against participating in the elections.
- Participation is described as a severe transgression, including desecration of God's name.
- The ruling warned that participants would be held responsible for the consequences.
The Badatz of the Edah HaChareidis rabbinical court in Jerusalem has issued a ruling, signed by Rabbi Mordechai Sternbuch and other prominent rabbis, instructing followers not to participate in the upcoming Knesset elections. This directive reaffirms the Edah HaChareidis's long-standing policy of boycotting Israeli elections.
The rabbis stated that their decision is based on the prohibition established by previous generations of rabbinic leaders, asserting that participation in the Knesset elections is forbidden. They described the elections as not only lacking benefit but also as a severe transgression involving desecration of God's name and association with "wicked" individuals and their destructive actions.
The ruling specifically condemned elected representatives who pledge allegiance to the Knesset's secular laws, which they claim supersede Torah law. It also cited the prohibition against women running for office, a stance supported by earlier prominent rabbis. The statement warned that those who participate in the elections lend a hand to "sinners" and will be held responsible for the consequences of their involvement in what they termed a "house of impiety."
The letter concluded with a prayer for those who are "misguided" to return to God, stating that by issuing this ruling, the signatories have absolved themselves of responsibility. They prayed that those who heed their words will dwell in safety and peace.
Signatories alongside Rabbi Sternbuch included Rabbis Abraham Isaac Ullman, Yehoshua Rosenberger, Yehuda Fisher, Shlomo Yehuda Hirsch, Shmuel Brandsdorfer, Shimon Yitzchak Schlesinger, and Aharon Brandsdorfer.
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