Obligation is a tricky thing. As Americans we do not like to be told what to do. As Reform Jews we prefer to choose. However, there just are certain things we are obligated to do. After all, we Jews sometimes do, “Answer to a higher source”. Voting in elections is one of those sacred obligations that goes beyond personal self-interest and is simply an obligation for the good of the world.
If you have friends or family that are considering not voting, I would like to recommend you take time and study the following two texts with them. Use these texts to serve as a springboard into a conversation about the importance of voting:
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jerimiah 29:7)
“If a person sits in their home and says to themselves, “What have the affairs of society to do with me?… Why should I trouble myself with the people’s voices of protest? Let my soul dwell in peace!”—if one does this, they overthrow the world. (Midrash Tanhuma, Mishpatim 2)
If you would like to discuss these texts with me I am more then happy to engage in the conversation. These texts are not meant to shame or be used as a club to hit people over the head with. Rather use them to get people to think about why voting is important.
Shabbat Shalom
