In Jewish tradition, our obligations, or mitzvot, are not merely personal preferences but are essential acts that bind us to our community and to God. Similarly, voting is an American obligation that binds us to one another as citizens. The act of voting, like the practice of mitzvot, is both an individual and collective responsibility, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our country and to the values we hold dear.
Jewish law divides mitzvot into two categories: Ben Adam L’Makom—obligations between an individual and God—and Ben Adam L’Chavero—obligations between a person and their fellow human beings. This framework offers a powerful lens for understanding our duty to vote, which, like mitzvot, serves as both a personal choice and a communal responsibility.
Voting as Ben Adam L’Makom: The Private Commitment to Values
Some mitzvot, like prayer or observing dietary laws, are personal acts that connect us to God and our values. Voting, too, is a private, reflective act of conscience that allows us to express our deeply held beliefs about justice, compassion, and integrity. When we enter the voting booth, our decisions are between us and our values, just as certain mitzvot are between us and God.
As the Talmud teaches, “In a place where there is no one to act with honor, strive to be that person.” (Pirkei Avot 2:6). Voting, like mitzvot, reflects our inner values, challenging us to consider what we stand for even when no one is watching. This call to action—especially when we stand alone—tests our character and commitment.
Voting as Ben Adam L’Chavero: The Collective Responsibility to Society
Other mitzvot, like tzedakah (charity) and pursuing justice, require us to engage with our community and take responsibility for others. Voting, in this sense, extends our commitment to the well-being of those around us and acknowledges our role in shaping a fair and compassionate society.
Rabbi Hillel’s famous words, “If I am only for myself, who am I?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14) remind us that we are bound to one another’s welfare. Voting is our opportunity to make choices that reflect Jewish values of justice and compassion, knowing that our choices affect the lives of many others, even those we may never meet.
Honoring Diversity in Jewish and Political Views
Jewish tradition has always valued discussion and diversity of thought. The Talmud itself is filled with debates between rabbis, honoring a wide range of perspectives. We are not a monolithic people; as Jewish citizens, we hold varied views on everything from religious practices to political policies. Our tradition urges us to approach voting through a Jewish lens—to see the world with a sense of duty, ethics, and justice, even as our perspectives differ.
The prophet Micah’s words, “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), encourage us to act with both justice and humility. Our voting choices may differ, but what matters is that they are informed by thoughtfulness and a commitment to shared Jewish values.
Fulfilling Our Obligation to Vote as Jews and Americans
In one of my favorite movies “The Contender”, the main character says, “Principles only mean something when you stick to them when it’s inconvenient.” Similarly, Jewish tradition calls us to uphold our values even when they challenge us. The Talmud teaches, “Who is mighty? One who controls their impulses” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Voting requires us to put our principles into action, even if it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient.
To abstain from voting is to neglect an opportunity to bring our values to life, to connect our ethics to our civic responsibilities, and to contribute to the society we envision. As we approach the voting booth, let us carry with us the intention we bring to any mitzvah: respect, integrity, and a dedication to making the world a better place.
Our choices may vary, but our responsibility to engage remains constant. Voting is a sacred trust, a commitment we honor both as Jews and Americans, not just for ourselves but for the collective future we hope to build.