Orthodox Jews and Political Apathy

     The Frum community in the United States is plagued with political apathy. American Orthodox Jews have about a 50% voter turnout rate in Presidential elections and much lower in off year elections. Orthodox Jews have low rates of participation as volunteers for political campaigns and in donations to candidates. Knowledge of issues and the political process is at a dismally low level.
     One reason for the widespread political apathy is the widely held attitude that politics doesn't matter. Proverbs 21:1 "The heart of the king is in the hands of G-d; He directs it anywhere He wishes" is regularly quoted to justify this flight from responsibility. G-d is in charge no matter whether the Democrats or Republicans are in power so why does it matter! This of course overlooks that Divine intervention to "change the heart of the king" favorably is less likely when we don't do our part!
     As Jews we are charged to "Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive" (Jeremiah 29:7). We have a responsibility as citizens to participate in the political process.
     Many Jews are unaware and/or indifferent that every election brings out prominent rabbis issuing psakim that as Jews we have a religious obligation to vote! In fact, Rav Aviner stated that a person sitting shiva needs to get up to go vote on election day.
     Voting is the bare minimum to fulfill our responsibility. What is needed is an effort to politically organize American Orthodox Jews to advocate for traditional values in the political arena. We also have specific needs such as school vouchers etc that we should be fighting for in a more effective manner.
     This election the Republican Party is actively courting the Jewish vote. We should grasp the hand that is reaching out to us and not slap it away. To slap away the outstretched hand would be an act of ingratitude alienating natural allies we should be working with on common interests.

My Case for Rick Santorum

     Is Rick Santorum "good for the Jews"? Why should Jews support this Presidential candidate who "wears his Christian religion on his sleeve"?
     The main threat to religious freedom for Jews in the USA in our times comes from the secular left. It was San Fransisco, the bastion of liberalism, where steps were recently taken to make circumcision a crime punishable by a year in prison.
     It is the secular left who looks at principled opposition to legalizing gay marriage as KKK style bigotry. Orthodox Jews and others are demonized for upholding traditional family values. This demonization puts a bulls eye on the backs of groups upholding traditional values.
     From Senator Rick Santorum on the other hand we see a champion of religious liberty. Rick Santorum is not just one who "checks the boxes" but one who leads the fight for religious freedom.       
     The Workplace Religious Freedom Act which Rick sponsored would have ensured that individuals of all religions could not be discriminated against while on the job. Employers would have been required to offer flexible work shifts so religious holidays/sabbath could be observed and permit employees to wear religiously required clothing at work. WRFA would have required employers to accomodate religious observances of their employees as long as such accomodations would not impose an undue hardship on the employer. This bill was narrowly defeated.
     When former President Bush wanted to push faith based initiatives through Congress, he looked to Rick Santorum to get the job done. Rick Santorum, partnering with democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, pushed through legislation allowing faith based social services providers to qualify for government funds and tax benefits. This curtailed the practice of shutting out religious charities from eligibility from existing government programs. The Charity, Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act was endorsed by the Orthodox Union. http://www.ouipa.org/2003/ou_calls_on_senate_to_pass_care_act_americas_charities_need_resources/

     While Rick Santorum has been a leader in the fight for conservative values, it has come at a personal cost. When I see Rick Santorum mocked and reviled by the extreme left, I know they are also mocking and reviling Orthodox Jews who share a commitment to conservative values as well.
     There is a historical tension between religious Christians and Jews that is not easily bridged. Nevertheless, our self interest as Orthodox Jews living in the United States is to find common ground with conservative Christians on issues of common concern. I find enough common ground with Rick Santorum to endorse him in his campaign for the Presidency.
     There are other conservative Republican candidates running for President each of whom would be an improvement over Barak Obama. While they "check all the right boxes" on issues dear to the heart of social conservatives, they lack the relentless drive and persistence of Rick Santorum. I want a fighter for conservative causes in the White House, not someone who very well may buckle under the pressure that is sure to come.
Thank you Rick Santorum for being in the trenches fighting for conservative causes. In this 2012 election I (bli nedar) will be with you in those same trenches for the fight. Join the fight!