In this crucial time for Klal Yisroel, the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah has issued a call regarding our duty to participate in the democratic process. As the Moetzes statement below explains, participating in the election process is not merely a civic responsibility, but a profound expression of our commitment to the well-being of our fellow Jews wherever they reside.
May our collective efforts be mekadeish Sheim Shomayim and bring about bracha and hatzlocho to Klal Yisroel.
[Free Translation]
The third day of the parsha of "Vera'u kol amei ha'aretz ki Sheim Hashem nikra alecha" - Ki Savo 5784.
The chachomim and gedolei hador of previous generations have already taught us that every Jew should participate in and vote in the elections in the United States, a land of kindness of which, by Hashem's mercy, we have been blessed to be among its residents, until Moshiach comes and we ascend to Eretz Yisroel with joy.
The duty to vote stems from several reasons. First and foremost, we must care, as one person with one heart, for our fellow Jews living in our land, safeguarding Klal Yisroel regarding the government in both spiritual and material matters. Indeed, we have seen the significant achievements of American Jewry, with siyata deShmaya, through the government, due to the voting power of the Yidden. Especially today, as government officials recognize the number of eligible Jewish voters in this country, the more people who actually vote, the greater our strength and rights are in the eyes of those in power.
Moreover, for decades, Divine Providence has placed the U.S. government at the forefront of nations that care for the people of Eretz Yisroel, protecting them from the seventy wolves that threaten to consume them, especially in times of crisis and war. Voting in these elections helps bolster our government and supports its efforts to assist our brethren in their time of need.
This act of voting also embodies the principle of gratitude, which is fundamental to our faith. We must express our appreciation for the benevolent government under which we find refuge and comfort by participating in elections like every other citizen.
One should not exempt himself from the obligation to vote with the argument that, in such a large country, the voice of an individual does not matter. Experience has shown in past elections that outcomes have been determined by a mere few hundred votes. Furthermore, the turnout among the Jewish community is significant in its own right, essential for advocating with the government on behalf of communal and individual needs, as mentioned.
May the Shomer Yisroel safeguard the Shearis Yisroel and rescue us from all distress and hardship, and may we soon merit the revelation of Malchus Shomayim in the world, so that all inhabitants of the earth will recognize and know that the Kingdom belongs to Hashem.
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America
