November 3, 2024|ב' חשון ה' אלפים תשפ"ה Preparing for the Presidential Election By Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

There’s been plenty of anxiety over the outcome of a certain contest between two opponents. Who will win? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and for many of us, it’s personal—it’s about our identity, who we are, and what we stand for. But alas, this past week, the New York Yankees lost. This coming week, however, many of us face a different kind of anxiety as another contest unfolds—one between two presidential candidates.

By next Shabbat, we may know the results of this presidential election—though maybe not with full certainty. Some of us will be elated, others deeply disappointed, and some may even think that the world is coming to an end. I’m sure we’ll hear calls to make aliyah after the election, with warnings that America is no longer safe, regardless of the outcome. So let’s take a moment to prepare ourselves now, as a community, for whatever comes next, regardless of who wins. I’d like to share four suggestions on how to prepare for this election or for life after this election, no matter the results.

First, prepare for this election by voting if you haven’t done so already! Voting matters for several reasons. On a practical level, every vote counts. Even in non-swing states, our participation makes a difference because politicians pay attention to who votes. If we want policies that benefit our community, it’s important that local, state, and federal officials know that Jews—especially Orthodox Jews—vote. When they make decisions, they’ll understand they are accountable to us.

Additionally, voting is an expression of gratitude. In 1984, Rav Moshe Feinstein famously wrote, “A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras hatov—recognizing benefits and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy.” Voting is a civic responsibility grounded in gratitude. Finally, it’s also an opportunity to share our Torah values with society. Although we may have different perspectives on how Torah guides us politically, voting with intention allows us to partner with God in shaping the world. So let your voice be heard, let your vote be counted—it’s a religious responsibility!

Secondly, if your candidate doesn’t win, and it feels as though the world is ending, remember to keep advocating for your values. According to a Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 34:6), Noach asked God before leaving the ark, “Should I go out and propagate the world only to see it destroyed again?” God reassured him, encouraging Noach to once again rebuild the world. Yet, Noach’s instinct was to withdraw. The Meshech Chochmah observes that Noach did just that—he isolated himself and ceased to be called “ish tzaddik,” a righteous man, instead becoming an “ish adamah,” a man of the ground, cut off from the world. Noach thought he could avoid pain by withdrawing, but in fact, he only deepened his pain. So, if we strive to be an “ish tzaddik” or an “isha tzaddika” before this election, we must strive to remain an “ish tzaddik” or an “isha tzaddika,” engaged and hopeful afterward, regardless of the outcome.

Thirdly, if your candidate loses, I still urge you to take this moment to appreciate the United States of America. This may seem difficult, especially if you fear that a defeat of your candidate signifies the beginning of the end for this country. Though many of us may not be pleased with the country’s current direction, we should remember our blessings. In Masechet Avot (3:2), Rabbi Chanina Sgan HaKohanim taught that we must pray for the welfare of the government, as without it there would be anarchy. Rabbi Chanina lived in Israel under Roman rule, an empire that was far from benevolent toward the Jews. Yet he emphasized praying for government institutions, understanding that even imperfect rule is preferable to chaos. Today, we live in the United States—a country that, despite its flaws, grants us protections and freedoms unheard of in Rabbi Chanina’s time. In a democracy with all its flaws, we are still far better off than in a land without any democracy.

The Netziv offers a similar perspective on this week’s parsha, explaining that the sin of building the Tower of Bavel was the leaders’ desire for uniformity. Traumatized by the anarchy and violence before the flood, they sought a totalitarian regime where everyone would follow one rule, one vision and one authority. They wanted to build a tower to centralize all leadership in themselves—“v’na’aseh lanu shem,” to make a name for themselves alone. But God desires unity, not uniformity. He values diversity of thought and individuality.

Thankfully, in America, we have a country that allows for many voices. The right to free expression may come with challenges, especially in times like these, but it is still a privilege. So, as we vote—or reflect on having voted—let us appreciate this “medinah shel chesed,” this “country of kindness,” with its Bill of Rights that guarantees us so many fundamental freedoms. This perspective is vital, particularly if our candidate doesn’t win or as we face the realities of a divided country.

And let’s go further: reach out to people who see things differently and show empathy toward their dreams and goals, regardless of the election outcome. The rainbow God sent after the flood symbolizes peace and love. The Ramban explains that it’s a sign of God’s enduring love for humanity even when we fall short. It’s a reminder that while we may advocate passionately for our beliefs, we must also show others the rainbow, affirming our care for them even when we disagree deeply.

A beautiful example of this unity occurred this past week when the family of Rabbi Avi Goldberg, a soldier who fell in battle in Lebanon, sat shiva. The family requested that any visiting politicians come in pairs—representatives of the coalition together with those from the opposition. This is the message of the rainbow: finding unity amidst divisiveness. In Israel this past week, they did this at the Goldberg shiva house, so we can do this in America, as well.

Finally, I encourage us all to daven and have faith. We can advocate for our political stance, but we must also turn to prayer, even if the future looks bleak. The Zohar criticizes Noach for not praying to save the world, despite feeling his prayers would go unheard. By contrast, Avraham Avinu prayed fervently for Sodom and Amora, and Moshe Rabbenu interceded for Bnei Yisrael after the sin of the golden calf. We, too, should pray and trust that God has a plan. Whatever happens, it will be okay. We may worry about issues like rising antisemitism, Israel’s security, and more. Yet, even our deepest fears can transform into moments of joy with the firm belief that God is watching and has a plan.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing; we must advocate for our positions and vote, grounded in Torah values. At the same time, as we prepare ourselves for post-election life, let’s take this moment to thank God for the blessings of this country, despite its imperfections. May we embody emunah, faith, especially now, when it is so needed, yet so often absent.