UTJ reflects on the elections: the record-breaking increase, the hysteria and panic on Election Day afternoon, turnout numbers and the Rebbe’s dance with the MK
Nor was it that moment when United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher took his elderly father to the polling station; or during the afternoon, when low turnout was reported in chareidi areas and the Belzer Rebbe went out to vote for the second time in his life, at a location near his house, accompanied by his representative, UTJ MK Rabbi Yisrael Eichler.
The loftiest and most surprising moment occurred with the newest MK, Yaakov Tessler. He went with his Rebbe to vote at the Vizhnitz Bais Yaakov in Bnei Brak. At the end of the vote, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe grasped Tessler’s hands and broke into a dance with him, singing, “Hashem Hu Malkeinu, v’lo anachnu avadim…” He repeated these words twice and then a third time.
“When we vote Gimmel, we effect a kiddush Sheim Shamayim,” the Rebbe said to those present. “And that is our goal, to sanctify Hashem’s Name.”
“Gedolim throughout the generations viewed going to vote as hishtadlus, and each person has to make his effort,” an Agudas Yisrael source tells Mishpacha. “But there is no doubt that the general hishtadlus does not rely on the vote of each individual, which is a kiddush Hashem in its own right. As the Vizhnitzer Rebbe said, that is our purpose in this world and that is the reason we conducted a very nuanced campaign, focusing on communities — and it has become evident over the past year and a half how the Iggud Hakehillos has proven itself on a day-to-day basis.”
Create a free account to keep reading.
