We are just a few days from election day in the USA: November 5, 2024
I want to encourage you to vote, to share a few resources, and to stress the importance of this election.
Here is a link to check your registration, find your polling place and more.
Jewish values strongly support our active participation in voting and civic engagement.
It is a mitzvah to vote.
“You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that the Eternal your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice.” (Deut 16-18)
As Jews, we believe that each human being matters.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
It is up to us to determine the kind of government and leaders we will have. Right here, right now we must vote to protect our democracy.
“It is not in Heaven.” They said to Moses our Teacher, but hey, you said to us, “It’s not in Heaven, it’s not on the other side of the sea, but where is it?” He said to them, “In the place that is close, in your mouths, and in your hearts to do it, it is not from you, it is close to you all.” Baba Metzia 59b
We are facing a threat to our democracy in this election. It is more imperative than ever to make sure you cast your vote for freedom and our way of life. If you can, volunteer to phone bank or be a poll watcher to ensure a safe election for all.
Our Jewish Values Compel Us To Show Up
We need a country that is safe for minorities, including Jews, and those who are vulnerable.
We are taught to welcome the stranger no less than thirty-six times in the Torah. Our ancestors were immigrants, and many prospered. It is incumbent upon us to keep the door open to others seeking a better life. Just like in Jewish life, diversity is our strength.
Educate Yourself Against Misinformation
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Please do your research. The links I have shared throughout this message (see purple text) are non-partisan. Please check them out.
“You shall not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt you bear witness in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to pervert justice.” Exodus 23:2
The Jewish Partnership For Democracy
Path With Heart Community is a partner in the organization A More Perfect Union, The Jewish Partnership for Democracy. I encourage you to check out their resources (as well as others I have curated from different places).
Meditation When You Go To Vote
For those that are looking for a meditation prior to voting, I offer you this one from T’ruah, written by Rabbi Lev Meirowitz Nelson:
A Meditation on Voting
May it be Your will, at this season of our election, to guide us towards peace.
By voting, we commit to being full members of society, to accepting our individual responsibility for the good of the whole. May we place over ourselves officials in all our gates…who will judge the people with righteousness (Deut 16:18), and may we all merit to be counted among those who work faithfully for the public good.
Open our eyes to see the image of God in all candidates and elected officials, and may they see the image of God in all citizens of the earth.
Grant us the courage to fulfill the mitzvah of loving our neighbors as ourselves, and place in our hearts the wisdom to understand those who do not share our views.
As we pray on the High Holidays, “May we become a united society, fulfilling the divine purpose with a whole heart.”
And as the Psalmist sang, “May there be shalom within your walls, peace in your strongholds. For the sake of my brothers and sisters and friends, I will speak peace to you.” (Ps. 122:7-8)
– Rabbi Lev Meirowitz Nelson, T’ruah, The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
And please don’t forget to THANK YOUR POLL WORKERS! You can find resources here.
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
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