Shas Spiritual Leader Urges Yeshiva Students to Vote
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef urged yeshiva students to vote in the upcoming elections for the Shas party, emphasizing the importance of their participation. He acknowledged their persecution by authorities and stressed that regulating the status of Torah scholars is the party's top priority. Rabbi Yosef called abstaining from voting a severe prohibition and blessed those who support Torah learners.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef urged yeshiva students to vote for the Shas party.
- He stated that regulating the status of Torah scholars is the foremost priority.
- Rabbi Yosef acknowledged yeshiva students face persecution from authorities.
- He called abstaining from voting a severe prohibition.
- The letter was addressed to yeshiva students and Torah scholars.
- Shas was founded by the rabbi's father.
The spiritual leader of the Shas party, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, has issued an urgent letter calling on yeshiva students to vote and influence the upcoming elections for the benefit of the Shas movement. In his message, addressed to "yeshiva students, Torah scholars, who study Torah day and night, precious sons of Zion," Rabbi Yosef described the current period as a "fateful campaign" requiring efforts for the party founded by his father.
Rabbi Yosef acknowledged the distress of yeshiva students, stating he understands their pain and suffering as they are "persecuted by government elements and the legal system" who seek to silence Torah scholars. He addressed concerns from some Torah scholars about the effectiveness of voting given the ongoing persecution, quoting their sentiment: "What benefit is there for us from the emissaries of God, since there are incessant persecutions and no solution?"
He emphasized that public gathering in defense of Torah learners and the promotion of religious principles are crucial. Rabbi Yosef asserted that the act of uniting under the call "Who is for the Lord, to me?" where those who study Torah are devoted to God and His Torah, constitutes a "great sanctification of God and strengthening of Torah's power."
The letter explicitly stated the top priority: "We have informed all relevant parties that the issue of regulating the status of Torah scholars will be the foremost and most important matter above all else, and we have received clear and absolute commitments on this issue." Rabbi Yosef concluded by urging all Jews, especially Torah scholars, to actively participate in the elections and vote, deeming it a "severe prohibition" to remain indifferent. He offered a blessing for those who assist Torah scholars during their time of need.
