S P E C I A L S

For the week ending 5 November 2016 / 4 Heshvan 5777

Who will the Jews choose?

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
A Torah Perspective on the US Presidential Elections
Become a Supporter Library Library

(This article was originally written for the US elections in 2012. The message remains timeless.)

Who is going to win the crucial vote of Jewish citizens in the upcoming elections for president?

Nothing so much occupies political analysts these days as speculating whether Jews in such states as Florida and Ohio will switch from voting Democrat to voting Republican.

Without getting involved in what is "good for the Jews", which is a matter of great debate among Jews themselves, it is important for all Jews to maintain a Torah perspective in regard to the leadership of Israel's most important ally.

Of course, a Jew who firmly believes that either of the candidates is better for Israel and the US has every right to vote and even campaign for that person.

But what about the “day after”?

"The heart of the king is in the hand of G-d; He directs it anywhere He wishes." (Mishlei 21:1)

These words from the wisest of men are important to remember both now and afterwards. Although G-d has given individual person free-will to decide on good or evil, this free-will is suspended from a leader when it comes to the fate of a nation. History is replete with examples of choices made by leaders who went against their own evil designs because Heaven orchestrated the effects of the choice imposed upon them.

No matter who wins the election, their decisions will be determined by Heaven, and this should enable us to be calm spectators or activists.

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