A Note From Rabbi Raina Siroty
As partners with God in the act of fixing the world (tikkun olam), Jews believe that we have a very holy and real purpose in making the world a better place. Part of that is the responsibility to play an active role in the wider community and in choosing its leaders.
Historically, Jews have understood that wherever we live as citizens, we are bound in contract with that society, and we have to do what we can for the public good, even beyond what directly impacts us as a Jewish community. That’s why American Jews especially have always valued the right and responsibility of participating in the political process. We vote not just because of “Jewish issues” like Israel and Middle-East policy, but because we know that every election brings opportunities to make our entire society stronger, healthier, and better for the greater good.
In Pirkei Avot, “You do not need to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” We know that no single election may change the world, but every election is important, and we are not free to stand idly by. As Jews – and as citizens – we are obligated to get to the polls and vote, and to help others do the same.
If you have not headed to the polls yet, I offer this prayer to be said on Tuesday.
A PRAYER FOR VOTING
- A Jewish meditation on Election Day
By David Seidenberg
With my vote today I am prepared and intending to seek peace for this country, as it is written: “Seek out the peace of the city where I cause you to roam and pray for her sake to God, for in her peace you all will have peace.”
May it be Your will that votes will be counted faithfully, and may You account my vote as if I had fulfilled this verse with all my power.
May it be good in Your eyes to give a wise heart to whomever we elect today, and may You raise for us a government whose rule is for good and blessing to bring justice and peace to all the inhabitants of the world and to Jerusalem, for rulership is Yours!
Just as I participated in elections today, so may I merit to do good deeds and repair the world with all my actions, and with the act of voting, which I pledge to do today on behalf of all living creatures and in remembrance of the covenant of Noah’s waters to protect and to not destroy the earth and her plenitude.
May You give to all the peoples of this country the strength and will to pursue righteousness and to seek peace as unified force in order to cause to flourish, throughout the world, good life and peace, and may You fulfill for us the verse:
“May the pleasure of Adonai our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands for us; may the work of our hands endure.”
We may be voting for different candidates, some voting “yes” on an amendment, while others voting “no”. We all agree on one thing: everyone wants to make the United States better tomorrow than it is today.
I look forward to joining you for Shabbat Services in person and on Zoom tomorrow night.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Raina
