Rabbi Urges Israelis to Vote as Religious Duty, Not Just Right
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Dudi Dudkovsky declared voting a religious obligation and national responsibility, not just a civil right, in a pre-election address. Citing religious authorities, he stressed the practical impact of votes and warned against abstention, comparing it to biblical non-participation. Dudkovsky argued that voting affects national security and Jewish identity, and can contribute to the establishment of religious institutions, thereby fulfilling the mitzvah of "zakuk harabim."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dudi Dudkovsky stated voting is a religious obligation and national responsibility.
- He cited religious leaders like Rabbi Abraham Shapira to support his stance.
- Dudkovsky warned against abstention, linking it to biblical non-participation.
- He argued voting impacts Israel's security and Jewish identity.
- Voting for religious parties can fulfill the mitzvah of "zakuk harabim."
- The rabbi urged active participation and encouraging others to vote.
Rabbi Dudi Dudkovsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Ro'eh Yisrael and Rabbi of the Yitzhar settlement, has called for active participation in elections, framing voting not merely as a civil right but as a religious obligation and a responsibility for the nation's future. In a special lesson ahead of the elections, Dudkovsky emphasized the practical impact of each vote and warned against wasted ballots.
He cited prominent religious figures, including Rabbi Abraham Shapira, the Chofetz Chaim, and the Rebbe of Lubavitch, to support his view that voting is a binding duty. Dudkovsky referenced a letter from Rabbi Shapira, former Rosh Yeshiva of Mercaz HaRav, stating that participating in public elections is not optional but a strict requirement. This perspective, he explained, reflects a long-standing halachic tradition viewing electoral participation as a public duty.
Dudkovsky drew a parallel to the biblical story of Meros, whose inhabitants were cursed for not aiding the Lord in the battle against Sisera, emphasizing that standing aside is not an option. He argued that public responsibility necessitates action with tangible influence, particularly concerning security matters. He criticized the Oslo Accords for their role in bloodshed and cautioned against political stances that could endanger Israel's security, stating that elections impact both citizens' safety and the country's Jewish identity.
The rabbi also addressed the importance of entrusting religious matters to those committed to them, quoting Rabbi Shapira that one should not rely on individuals who are not themselves careful in these matters. He stressed the need to examine the practical outcome of votes, particularly the risk of lists failing to pass the electoral threshold. Dudkovsky also highlighted the mitzvah of "zakuk harabim" (causing the multitude to merit), explaining through an anecdote from Rabbi Ovadia Yosef that voting for a religious party can be credited as building religious institutions like mikvahs, Torah study centers, and yeshivas, thereby strengthening Jewish education.
Concluding his remarks, Dudkovsky urged active engagement, not only in casting one's own vote but also in encouraging others to participate, referencing the Rebbe of Lubavitch's call to action and warning against the public damage that could result from abstention.
Mentioned
