Rabbi Elyashiv's Election Wisdom Relevant Today
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Ahead of upcoming elections, an article revisits the wisdom of the late Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, who taught that voting is a civic responsibility, not a personal reckoning. He advised that even with complaints about politicians, one should still vote to influence the nation's future. The piece cautions against voting for parties unlikely to pass the threshold as a protest, as it may not achieve desired outcomes. It encourages voters to consider the broader implications for the country's future, beyond personal grievances with individual politicians.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Elyashiv taught voting is a civic duty, not personal reckoning, even with complaints about politicians.
- Disillusioned voters may protest by backing parties near the electoral threshold, risking unintended consequences.
- The ballot box should be used to influence the nation's future, not settle personal scores.
- Democracy's value lies in every citizen's equal right to shape the country's direction.
- Voters should focus on national issues like education, security, and identity, not just individual politicians.
The teachings of the late Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, a preeminent halachic authority, on participation in elections remain highly relevant, emphasizing that the ballot box is not a place for personal reckoning but an opportunity to take responsibility for the nation's fate. As Israelis head to the polls again on Tuesday, some voters are disillusioned with politicians, unfulfilled promises, internal struggles, and the perception that public servants primarily look out for themselves.
Seventeen years ago, in 2009, a conversation at Rabbi Elyashiv's home highlighted public apathy towards elections. When presented with complaints about a specific Knesset member, Rabbi Elyashiv responded that while he too had criticisms that needed addressing, this was not a reason to abstain from voting. He stressed that "we do not vote (personally) for Knesset members," implying that the vote is not a personal endorsement but a civic duty.
Many disappointed voters consider supporting new parties hovering around the electoral threshold as a form of protest. However, the article cautions that such votes, while expressing dissent, may not secure any seats and could inadvertently influence the balance of power against the voter's intentions. This echoes Rabbi Elyashiv's sentiment: "I also have complaints sometimes. So what?"
Rabbi Elyashiv explained that the goal of voting is to strengthen religious matters in the state, referencing the Chazon Ish's view on the importance of a large public demonstrating a desire to preserve Jewish values in a Jewish state. While acknowledging this was in a specific context concerning the Haredi public, the article suggests a broader civic lesson for all Israelis: voting is about influencing the future, not merely rewarding or punishing politicians.
The current political discourse often reduces elections to popularity contests based on personalities or social media presence, overshadowing discussions on values and national direction. While a public servant's credibility is important and voters are not obligated to support those who disappoint them, the article urges a broader perspective. It asks what kind of country, education system, security, economy, and societal character Israelis desire for the future.
Democracy, the article reminds readers, is not a given. The right of every citizen to cast an equal vote is a profound privilege. The article returns to Rabbi Elyashiv's acknowledgment of having complaints, highlighting his ability to separate disappointment with individuals from the importance of the mission. This distinction does not exempt politicians from criticism or accountability; trust must be earned and can be revoked. However, it differentiates between substantive critique and turning the ballot box into a personal score-settling arena. Ultimately, the nation's future and its children's destiny are too precious to be reduced to mere reactions to personal grievances.
