Rabbi Kook Urges Haredi Voters to Support Torah Scholars
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Ben Zion HaCohen Kook urged Haredi voters to support United Torah Judaism, stating that all community members, even those who work, are essentially Torah scholars. He warned against voting for other parties or abstaining, emphasizing that voting is a declaration of God's honor. The rabbi's letter addresses concerns about the party's focus on full-time scholars.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Ben Zion HaCohen Kook stressed that all Haredi voters, including working individuals, are considered Torah scholars and should vote for United Torah Judaism.
- He warned against voting for other Haredi parties, calling them 'broken cisterns' that abandon Torah leaders.
- Rabbi Kook cited Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Elyashiv, stating that voting is a declaration of God's honor, regardless of political dissatisfaction.
- The letter addresses concerns that United Torah Judaism is only for those who are not working for a living.
- The rabbi criticized those who abstain from voting while claiming to follow Rabbi Elyashiv's teachings.
Rabbi Ben Zion HaCohen Kook, a prominent Posek and head of the General Beit Hora'ah in Jerusalem, has issued a strong letter clarifying the importance of voting for the United Torah Judaism party. The letter, addressed to his community and friends, responds to questions regarding the party's relevance to those who are not full-time Torah scholars, or 'Avreichim,' and work for a living.
Rabbi Kook firmly stated that all members of the community, regardless of their employment status or attire, remain 'Avreichim' in essence. He referenced Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch's concept of 'working Avreichim,' emphasizing that even those in secular professions are considered Torah scholars by their commitment to supporting Torah learning. He argued that the United Torah Judaism party's platform, which prioritizes Torah scholars, aligns perfectly with the community's values and investment in raising children dedicated to Torah study.
The Rabbi also issued a stern warning against voting for other "Haredi" parties, quoting the prophet Jeremiah to describe them as abandoning the "living spring" of Torah leaders for "broken cisterns." He cautioned against abstaining from voting, citing a historical ruling by Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Elyashiv, who stated that voting is a declaration of God's honor, regardless of dissatisfaction with political representatives.
Rabbi Kook concluded by criticizing those who abstain from voting while claiming to uphold the legacy of Rabbi Elyashiv, asserting that their actions contradict his directives. The letter aims to reinforce the communal obligation to support the party dedicated to the study of Torah.
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