Rosh Yeshivat Har Etzion HaGaon HaRav Aaron Lichtenstein Shlita has come out instructing talmidim to vote for Bayit HaYehudi, explaining “there is no significant political process” today, explaining his position. The rav’s remarks are quoted in the “מצב הרוח” publication.
The Torah giant is viewed as a political moderate and his statement came to a surprise to many talmidim for Rav Lichtenstein simply stated the issues for this election do not involve the any political process and therefore, we must rally behind the issues that unite us.
“At one time, there was a significant division between the political issues but today, we are all aware we do not have a serious partner on the other side. The matter of hawks and doves is therefore not relevant. In the Meimad era, there was a dominant political question but today, this is no political issue and no practical significance to the political process so we must work together on the other issues upon which we agree, those issues that we see eye to eye on. That which unites us is ten times greater than that which divides us.”
“The goal is for our tzibur to unit around a list. There are dati candidates in many parties but they are batul b’shishim in those parties. It is hard to believe they will accomplish anything. There is only one organized party in the political arena that can really achieve the important issues close to us,” the rav explained, instructing followers to vote for Bayit HaYehudi.
The rav explains the party will above all work to preserve the Jewish issues, citing “most of the candidates are Shomer Torah and Mitzvos and it is important to have a large representation from this stream –those who unite and bring love of the Torah and love of the land; love of the people and love of the state. I hope the party will succeed in fulfilling all of the hopes instilled in it.”
The rav called on the entire tzibur to vote for the party, stressing one should vote and not opt to sit out the elections.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
He is a leading religious zionist. If he endorsed any other political party it would be news. Someone with a long association with a movement is expected to support that movement.
For example, R. Yosef endorses Shas – not news. If R. Yosef endorsed anyone else, that’s newsworthy.
I’ve never heard of this rabbi and I live in jerusalem
This just in: HaGaon HaRav Shteinman Endorses Yahadut Hatorah – YWN Exclusive.
He was, along with Rav Amital, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Gush. I believe he is retired. He’s a couple of years older than me, and I’m on Social Security already. He’s a Y.U. graduate, and son-in-law of Rav Yoseph Soloveitchik. Modern Orthodox, but with at least one son (Yitzchok) who is off that derech and on the Chareidi derech, registrar and cousin to Rav Dovid Soloveitchik.
The news here is that YWN referred to him as a Torah giant. It happens to be true. He is also R’ Yoshe Ber’s (ZT”L) son-in-law. Apparently he is not worried about what the other gedolim think.
#2 Learn about the many Gedolim who dot the scene in Eretz Yisroel, so much torah, chochma and yedius there.
I had the privilege to be fahered by Rav Aharon many years ago. It was a daunting prospect, as his questions were precise and detailed, as would be expected from someone who learns and teaches gemoro in the tradition of Brisk. But Rav Aharon was also gentle and approachable. He is, as far as I know, respected across the board for his lomdus and his ehrlichkeit. And while he tends towards a more dovish political perspective vis a vis peacemaking, he has only rarely involved himself in politics.
I am dumbfounded that someone who lives a frum life in Eretz Yisroel has never heard of him.