Top Rabbi Clarifies Stance on Elections, Urges Followers to Heed Their Own Mentors

Kabbalist Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli released a video Tuesday to clarify statements attributed to Rabbi Moshe Tzadka regarding elections. Rabbi Shmueli stated that Rabbi Tzadka's directive was for each individual to follow the guidance of their own religious mentors. He explained that when rabbis and scholars presented the importance of the election to Rabbi Tzadka, the latter signed a statement saying, "Every person should act according to the opinion of his rabbis, and may good blessings come upon him."

Rabbi Shmueli emphasized that other messages circulating in Rabbi Tzadka's name did not accurately reflect what was said in his presence. "What all sorts of other messages invented - it's not like that. This is the truth, that's how it was with me," he said, reiterating Rabbi Tzadka's message: "He said: Everyone should do as their rabbis instruct them."

Rabbi Shmueli added that Rabbi Tzadka stressed the importance of acting for the sake of Heaven and for the honor of the Torah, urging people not to take things out of context. He clarified that Rabbi Tzadka did not dictate a specific choice, but rather advised individuals to consult their own rabbis at their yeshivas and follow their instructions.

Rabbi Yaakov Tofik Aviazri, the chief rabbi of Beitar Illit, also issued a letter confirming that after consulting with Rabbi Tzadka's family, he supports the latter's message and blesses all voters who listen to the words of the sages. This follows a previous statement by Rabbi Moshe Tzadka regarding the elections, which called for unity and adherence to rabbinical guidance in order to protect the Jewish character of the Land of Israel and ensure Torah scholars could study peacefully.