Rabbi Elyashiv's Election Wisdom: Don't Turn Ballots Into Personal Score-Settling
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Ahead of Israeli elections, the article revisits Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv's 17-year-old guidance on voting, emphasizing it as a civic duty to shape the nation's future rather than settle personal scores with politicians. Disillusioned voters are cautioned against casting protest votes for parties unlikely to pass the electoral threshold, as this can undermine their intended influence. The piece urges Israelis to consider the country's long-term direction over individual grievances when casting their ballots.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Elyashiv's election guidance stresses voting for national responsibility, not personal grievances.
- Disillusioned voters are warned against protest votes that may not yield Knesset representation.
- The ballot box is presented as a tool to influence Israel's future, not just criticize politicians.
- Democracy's value lies in every citizen's equal vote to shape the nation's direction.
- Voters should prioritize national issues over personal anger when choosing representatives.
With Israeli elections approaching, the teachings of the late Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv on voting are presented as highly relevant. The article argues that the ballot box is not a place for personal grievances but an opportunity to take responsibility for the nation's future. Many voters are reportedly disillusioned with politicians, unfulfilled promises, internal party conflicts, and a perceived self-interest among elected officials, leading some to consider staying home or voting for small parties as a protest.
Seventeen years ago, ahead of Knesset elections, Rabbi Elyashiv addressed public apathy towards voting. When presented with complaints about a specific Knesset member, the Rabbi acknowledged having his own criticisms but questioned whether that was a reason not to vote. He emphasized that "we do not vote (personally) for Knesset members," suggesting that votes are not endorsements of individuals but rather a means to influence the country's direction.
The article draws a distinction between protest and influence, noting that votes for parties failing to pass the electoral threshold, while conveying protest, do not secure Knesset representation and can inadvertently alter the balance of power. Rabbi Elyashiv's perspective is reiterated: "I also have complaints sometimes. So what?"
The author clarifies that Rabbi Elyashiv's remarks were made in the context of the Haredi public and a party representing their worldview, and does not intend to prescribe a religious ruling for other sectors or dictate voting choices. However, the piece suggests a civic lesson for all Israelis: voting is not about giving politicians a "certificate of excellence" but about shaping one's future and that of their children.
The current political discourse, often focused on personality and popularity, is contrasted with the need to consider broader issues like the country's future, education, security, economy, and Jewish and democratic identity. While acknowledging the legitimacy of criticizing and replacing underperforming representatives, the article stresses that democracy is a precious right that should not be reduced to personal anger. It concludes by echoing Rabbi Elyashiv's ability to separate disappointment with individuals from the importance of the mission, urging voters to choose wisely for the nation's future.
