The ongoing machlokes surrounding elections in Israel continues ahead of elections for the 20th Knesset. The Lubavitcher Rebbe ZT”L advocated voting for the “most chareidi party” as well as adhering to his call for a Greater Israel, which includes not making land concessions or even discussing land concessions, which the Rebbe stated would lead to bloodshed.
Interestingly, some chareidi media is Israel reports a “certain closeness may be developing” between Chabad and the litvish faction after Yated Neeman carried the story of the petira of HaGaon HaRav Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi ZT”L, as was reported by YWN-ISRAEL. Added to this is a shiva visit made to the family sitting shiva in Kfar Chabad by MK Moshe Gafne.
On the other side of the coin there is anger among some in the litvish community, who point out HaGaon HaRav Elazar Menachem Mann Shach ZT”L viewed Chabad as unacceptable, speaking out against Chabad and its leaders publicly.
The recent events in Eretz Yisrael have resulted in a buzz in chareidi social network circles regarding a relationship developing between Degel and Chabad. Most of this ‘buzz’ is opposed to building a kesher between Degel and Chabad. This has also led to harsh statements from some claiming affiliation to the Bnei Torah split off faction of Degel, questioning the betrayal of Maran R’ Shach.
The social network buzz includes photos, such as a photo of Rav Shach with the words “Abba, what haven’t they done to you yet?” This is similar to the slogan being used by Shas regarding the affront to Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L. There is also a photo of Gafne wearing a ‘Yechi’ yarmulke.
If one takes the issue away from the social networking, prominent Chabad Rov HaGaon HaRav Tuvia Blau last week told chareidi radio that from his perspective, the correct party for Chabad voters in Yahadut Hatorah. He explained that he reads newspapers and he reads how MK Meir Porush and MK Menachem Eliezer Moses have fought hard for Eretz Yisrael and he is unaware of a more chareidi party, in line with the Rebbe’s instruction.
Prominent Chabad Rov Rabbi Dovid Druckman Shlita, who referred to Rav Blau as “Rebi U’Mori”, stated that while they agree on most issues, he feels that Yahadut Hatorah falls short regarding its hashkafa on safeguarding “Eretz Yisrael HaSheleima”, stating a decision will have to be made as to which party to support as the elections nears. Druckman is not convinced that Yahadut Hatorah is the answer for the Chabad community.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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14 Responses
Eli yishai is watching closely.
when i saw the words maclokis i thought this one has to be a good one ……nope no change same old same old
chabad is not party for elections every votes for who ever they want
the lubavitcher REBBA never Indoreced a party
why cant they just consult the Igris Hakeidesh
UTJ is leaning left-wards.
I think many Chabadniks will vote for Yachad, because it is both charedi-friendly and right-wing on security issues (and many probably voted for Bayit HaYehudi last time, since it is the only party against land-for-peace). The main charedi parties have no position on the peace process and will join a left-wing coalition, as they have in the past. So Yahadut HaTorah does not seem like a good fit for Chabad, given the Rebbe’s strong views against a Palestinian state.
Misleading headline. Different opinions of two individuals doesent justify the “Machlokes in Chabad” headline.
To their credit, Chabad voters don’t feel obligated to mindlessly follow the dictate of their Rav as is the case for most other Chasidus. Even within Chabad there are substantial disagreements on most policy issues from the mundane to whether the Rebbe may be moishiach.
#6 exactly. there is no מחלוקת. there are different opinions and it’s not newsworthy. After they vote we will figure out why. Furthermore,just like it’s not right to guess what the Rebbe would say since situations change,it’s not right to guess what Maran would say. Let’s ask our present leaders whoever they are.
I don’t understand the dilemna! It’s impossible to find a perfect fit without having your own party (and maybe even with), so it’s a question of priorities.
Although the rebbe certainly emphasized Eretz Yisroel Hashleima, but is there any question that gerus kehalacha and limud hatorah come first?
Furthermore, in connection with elections all the rebbe ever said was to vote for the “chareidi beyoser”. All other matters that he emphasized were not directly connected with instructions for elections.
@Gadolhadorah – Firstly – It would seem that according to your opinion Korach, Dasan, and Aviram deserve credit from you as well? They too didn’t “feel obligated to mindlessly follow the dictate of their Rav.”
Secondly – There is no machlokes in Chabad if the Rebbe is Moshiach. They only disagree if it may be said/discussed outside their own camp.
#10
As one very distinguished Chabad Rebbe said, “I have time to believe the Rebbe is Moshiach when he re-appears.”
Also, why is someone who is truly learned in Torah automatically an expert on mundane, secular affairs such as politics?
Moose,
You are right. Its not automatically. Its earned, researched, and discussed.
There is a reason why the high profile israeli politicians always consulted the Rebbe.
I remember a conversation I had in regards to how a person should vote in the Israeli elections, with my Uncle Harav J.Immanuel Schochet ztl. It was probably about ten years ago.
He was considered an expert authority on chabad chassidus, within lubavitch itself as well as by others in the torah world.
He suggested to me that, the Rebbe would have wanted people to vote for the political party that could most positively effect the spiritual level and observances of tzibbur. (The whole tzibbur Frum, Secular, Hasidic, litvish, modern orthodox, etc….)
He then said, ” why not vote for the Likud”.
I dont know what he would say today? But the Likud, though not a religous party. They are tradional believers in HBH. They also have a proven record of supporting torah values and learning. Not to mention strong economic vision as well as aggressive attitude towards national defence.
It only makes sense to vote where it counts and not throw ones vote away by voting for a party that may not even cross the minimum threshold, or will only make minimal gains in seat numbers. There are already way to many political parties in Israel, strategic voting is critical in the israeli electoral system.
Maybe the time has come for a meaningful conversation and an attempt at reconciliation with Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. It could be that there is room in the Beis Midrash for the Steinsaltz Gemara and it could be that “Biblical Images” needs to be revised.