Voting and Judaism

Rabbi Yitzhak taught, “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted.” (Talmud, Brakhot 55a) With next week’s election day, we have a chance to engage in both a civic and Jewish duty at the same time by voting.  While there is not something so major as a presidential election on the ballot, it is still important to vote according to Jewish tradition.  In fact, there is a story about a rabbi known as the Chazon Ish (in the 1800s) who was approached by a man that did not have enough money to pay his taxes and therefore would not be able to vote in the upcoming election. 

The Chazon Ish responded that the man should sell his tefillin (phylacteries that we are commanded about in the Torah) in order to pay his taxes.  The Rabbi used the justification that he could borrow tefillin, but could not borrow the right to vote.  This may seem surprising, that even an Orthodox Rabbi would suggest selling a ritual item to vote, but that is how dearly the right to vote is within Judaism.  Every voice, every vote matters in working to maintain the welfare of our local, state, and national government.  Things we vote on today matter in the long run.

For people like the Chazon Ish, the time when Jews were not citizens and did not have voting rights was fresh in the rearview mirror.  We pray daily in gratitude to God that God redeemed Israel, that God made us free.  While stopping at the polls come Tuesday morning (unless you vote early!) may seem like a minor task on a to-do list next to a major project, it is far more than a short detour on the way to work or to another errand.  It is a privilege.  It is our privilege to be consulted, to inform ourselves of the matters and people on the ballot, to make decisions not just based on political affiliation but on the values and ideas we hold most dear.  Those elected to “minor” offices this coming week are potentially the candidates for more prestigious offices later.

If you want a little more on the relationship between Judaism and voting, check out this article for more sources and a blessing to use before voting.  If it’s the first year you are eligible – don’t forget to add a Shehekiyanu!

Click here to view an inforgraphic on voting and Judaism.