Is this headline true? Is there actually a halachic obligation to visit FVAP.gov? Would Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, the Steipler Gaon, zt”l, the Slonimer Rebbe, zt”l and the Vishnitzer Rebbe really say that this is a halachic obligation?
Well, let’s list two qualifications:
1] This opportunity particularly applies to American citizens over 18 studying or living in Eretz Yisroel. But it does include seminary girls and Yeshiva bochurim.
2] There is an alternative to FVAP.gov and that is visiting the OU Israel Center in Jerusalem. They will provide overseas voters with all the tools and information needed so they can vote in the upcoming election. In the past, these absentee ballots have made a difference.
The OU-Israel Office is located at 22 Rechov Keren Hayesod (between Sokolov Street and Mendel Mocher Seforim Street). Their dates and hours to help you register to vote are:
- Sunday, September 22, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, September 23, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 24, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 25, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, September 29, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, September 30, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 1, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 2, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, October 26, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They can also visit: https://www.ou.org/votefromabroad
The Obligation
Is there an actual halachic obligation to vote?
The short answer is —yes.
The Obligation—
Rav Feinstein’s View
Rav Moshe Feinstein discusses the obligation to vote in a letter he wrote in English. He finds the source of such an obligation in the notion of hakaras haTov—expressing our gratitude. In 1984, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York was conducting a voter registration campaign. Rav Moshe Feinstein was approached by the council and responded that, in fact, Jews should vote.
Subsequently, a letter was released signed by Rav Feinstein delineating the obligation to vote. The letter stated:
“On reaching the shores of the United States, Jews found a safe haven. The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights have allowed us the freedom to practice our religion without interference and to live in this republic in safety.
“A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras hatov — recognizing benefits afforded us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent on each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote.
Therefore, I urge all members of the Jewish community to fulfill their obligations by registering as soon as possible and by voting. By this, we can express our appreciation and contribute to the continued security of our community.”
Rectifying an Urgent Matter
On the other hand, the Steipler Gaon seems to view the obligation of voting as a means of fulfilling the need to rectify an urgent matter. Indeed, he is cited in Orchos Rabbeinu p. 141 in Cheshvan of 5726, as even having permitted a mourner within the seven days of mourning to vote when the need to vote is urgent.
Respecting the View
Of the Gedolei Torah
The Slonimer Rebbe and others (See Bais Yaakov Yerichon L’Inyanei Chinuch 027-028 p. 30) have proposed an entirely different reason for the obligation. They write that the obligation to vote stems from the obligation to respect the view of Gedolei Torah.
Strengthening Torah
The Vishnitzer Rebbe writes that the obligation to vote in Israel stems from the obligation to strengthen Torah (Michtevei Kodesh #238).
Pikuach Nefesh
Is there perhaps an additional reason that applies this year— that your vote can save Jewish lives? This author thinks that it does. But remember, if you don’t register, you cannot vote.
In conclusion, there does seem to be a halachic obligation to vote either stemming from hakaras haTov, according to Rav Feinstein; rectifying an urgent matter, according to the Steipler; respecting the view of the Gedolei Torah, according to the Slonimer Rebbe; and from the obligation of strengthening Torah, according to the Vishnitzer Rebbe.
We also do not see any indication that the above reasons are mutually exclusive. In other words, there could very well be five different halachic reasons why those learning or living in Eretz Yisroel should register to vote and actually vote. This is our hishtadlus according to the aforementioned gedolim.
The author can be reached [email protected]
