Rabbi Advises Against Using Double Envelopes for Extra Study Time
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Zalman Melamed of Beit El advised yeshiva students against using the double envelope voting method to gain extra study time, deeming it a "deception of the mind." He argued the system is meant for those with genuine travel difficulties, not for prioritizing study over civic duty. The rabbi emphasized that interpersonal conduct is as crucial as religious observance, illustrating his point with a story about Rabbi Yisrael Salant.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Zalman Melamed discouraged yeshiva students from using double envelopes for voting to gain extra study time.
- He described the practice as a "deception of the mind," even without an explicit falsehood.
- The rabbi stated the double envelope system is intended for those with genuine travel impediments.
- He emphasized the critical importance of interpersonal conduct alongside religious observance.
- Rabbi Melamed cited Rabbi Yisrael Salant's emphasis on avoiding offense to others.
Rabbi Zalman Melamed, the Rosh Yeshiva of Beit El, has addressed the practice of yeshiva students using "double envelopes" to vote, a method that allows them to cast a ballot at any polling station rather than traveling to their registered location. He cautioned against this practice, even when no falsehood is spoken, emphasizing the importance of avoiding "deception of the mind." Rabbi Melamed explained that the double envelope system is intended for individuals with genuine difficulties in reaching their designated polling station, often to protect their privacy regarding personal or physical limitations.
However, he questioned the ethical appropriateness of utilizing this option solely to gain additional hours for Torah study. "A student lives very far from the yeshiva, and one can vote with double envelopes at any polling station and doesn't need to say anything," he described, noting the option allows a request without requiring a specific reason. "But I said, this doesn't seem right to me," he stated regarding students who could travel but prefer to study more.
Rabbi Melamed acknowledged that some rabbis hold different views, but stressed that widespread practice does not legitimize an action. He drew a parallel to theft, asking, "If everyone steals, is it permissible for us to steal?" He urged yeshiva students to be "meticulous" not only in matters between a person and God but even more so in interpersonal dealings and public conduct, stating these are not less important and in some ways more severe.
To illustrate his point, the rabbi recounted a story about Rabbi Yisrael Salant, who was involved in overseeing matzah baking before Passover. When Rabbi Salant couldn't attend one year, he instructed his students to be particularly careful not to offend the widow who kneaded the dough slowly, highlighting the paramount importance of interpersonal considerations.