It might surprise you, but I do not believe rabbis belong in politics. I am sure you are wondering how that can be. After all, so many of my articles for the Queens Jewish Link involve my assessment of the current political situation. I am quite definitely conservative in my political views and make no secret of being a strong critic of the Democratic Party. During my tenure, I was the only pulpit rabbi on the local Jewish political action committee, known as the Queens Jewish Alliance. To the chagrin of many on the QJA, I still am an active participant on their chat. So, how can I maintain that rabbis do not belong in politics?
Rav Zalman Sorotzkin of Slutzk, in his classic work on Chumash, Oznayim LaTorah, comments (BaMidbar 25:11) regarding the story of Pinchas leaping to dispatch the nefarious couple Zimri ben Salu and Kazbi bas Tzur, who were guilty of a publicly displayed act of defiant, lewd behavior. Why was this reaction left to the hands of Pinchas? asks Rav Sorotzkin. Why was this act of zealotry for the sake of Hashem and his People not performed by the likes of Moshe Rabbeinu or Aharon HaKohen?
Rav Sorotzkin offers a stunning insight. Often, the average layman (baal ha’bayis ha’pashut) sees that action needs to be taken by the leadership of the Jewish people to combat a threat facing the nation. Yet he sees no one at the helm, no one taking a lead role. He might be tempted to say to himself, If the leadership is not getting involved, then why should I? Thus, Pinchas, observing that the leadership was idle, decided that he must rise to the occasion and act himself. So it is with every Jew: If seeing a void of leadership, do not be led to despair, but instead one should act himself.
In truth, I loathed hobnobbing with politicians. It’s just not my thing. I supported worthy candidates, but save one time (which I deeply regretted), I never formally endorsed a candidate. Unfortunately, I see that so few people, and no rabbanim, are active in supporting the right political ideas that matter so very much to our people. (See a brilliant article related to this topic by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca Raton on his blog dated September 3, 2024.)
I am not saying that a rabbi should be pictured in his house receiving candidates with a bowl of fruit. But let’s at least have some direction. Our rabbinic, lay, and certainly organized leadership have all gone AWOL. It’s very painful to witness. I have used this column to express my disappointment with several established organizations and I took my lumps because of it.
All this introduction is for the purpose of explaining why I feel it’s in my purview to publicize the following:
Besides what has taken place in Israel over the last year, we continue to experience unprecedented harassment and anti-Semitism right here in the universities of New York. What have our political and religious leaders done about it, aside from a few press releases and weekly statements? You can judge for yourself.
I therefore implore you to call the offices of the following New York politicians and express your grave disappointment with them for their inaction on anti-Semitism in the universities in the city that they serve. Email addresses can be found on their websites.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D): NYC 212 486-4430. Washington 202-224 -6542
Congressman Jerry Nadler (D): NYC 212- 367-7350. Washington 202 225-5635
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D): NYC 212-688-6262. Washington 202-224-4451
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D): Flushing 718-445- 0004, Albany 518 455-3461. She proudly is chair of the Higher Education Committee.
Don’t let the ADL off the hook, either. What meaningful actions have they taken? 212-855-7700.
It is equally important to express gratitude to those who have been in the forefront of standing up to fight anti-Semitism:
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R) Ogdensburg, NY 315-541-2670. Washington 202-225-4611.
Congressman Ritchie Torres (D) Bronx, NY: 718-503-9610. Washington 202-225-4361.
Thank you for your anticipated participation. Even a pashuta baal habus can change the world for the better.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.
