Why So Many Jews Vote for Democrats--And How to Change That

[TBoneTX 45,571]

This is the best explanation of this mystifying phenomenon that I've ever read.  Comments?

Quote

Why So Many Jews Vote for Democrats--And How to Change That

BY RABBI MICHAEL BARCLAY AUG 26, 2021 1:13 AM ET

 

As a rabbi, the question I am asked the most by my Christian friends, pastors, and at the churches where I have spoken is ironically not a theological question, but a political one: Why do so many Jews continually support leftist causes, organizations, and the Democratic Party when it is clear that they are against Israel, Judaism, and religion in general?  [...]

 

https://pjmedia.com/culture/rabbi-michael-barclay/2021/08/26/why-jews-vote-left-and-what-we-can-do-n1472455

 

[yuna628 9,686]

Here's an idea: why can't people just vote for whomever they want to vote for? This is the same Rabbi that way back when but not so long ago felt it was inappropriate for a Rabbi or a pastor, let alone a shul - have a position on politics, let alone show favoritism to any candidate or party. He preferred Rabbis to be apolitical, thereby attendees of any political party could focus their time on spiritual matters - the things that have the most meaning. Be more concerned with the holy than with politicians and parties. Religious men that are only concerned about political souls rather than actual souls, are spiritually dead. It is rather ridiculous, if not a little insulting to assert that a persons Jewishness should be affiliated with a certain movement of any party, than it would be to say the same of any person of any faith or creed. We are individuals, afterall.

Edited August 28, 2021 by yuna628

[TBoneTX 45,571]

14 hours ago, yuna628 said:

This is the same Rabbi that way back when but not so long ago felt it was inappropriate for a Rabbi or a pastor, let alone a shul - have a position on politics, let alone show favoritism to any candidate or party. He preferred Rabbis to be apolitical, thereby attendees of any political party could focus their time on spiritual matters - the things that have the most meaning. Be more concerned with the holy than with politicians and parties.

Yes, as confirmed via personal correspondence.

 

14 hours ago, yuna628 said:

It is rather ridiculous, if not a little insulting to assert that a persons Jewishness should be affiliated with a certain movement of any party, than it would be to say the same of any person of any faith or creed.

The point of the article is to explain some reasons behind the phenomenon and the seeming disconnection.

Edited August 29, 2021 by TBoneTX

[Dashinka 24,629]

On 8/28/2021 at 11:42 AM, yuna628 said:

Here's an idea: why can't people just vote for whomever they want to vote for? This is the same Rabbi that way back when but not so long ago felt it was inappropriate for a Rabbi or a pastor, let alone a shul - have a position on politics, let alone show favoritism to any candidate or party. He preferred Rabbis to be apolitical, thereby attendees of any political party could focus their time on spiritual matters - the things that have the most meaning. Be more concerned with the holy than with politicians and parties. Religious men that are only concerned about political souls rather than actual souls, are spiritually dead. It is rather ridiculous, if not a little insulting to assert that a persons Jewishness should be affiliated with a certain movement of any party, than it would be to say the same of any person of any faith or creed. We are individuals, afterall.

If political parties, and particularly the Democrats did not practice identity politics, then maybe people would vote their conscience.

[yuna628 9,686]

On 8/29/2021 at 2:23 AM, TBoneTX said:

Yes, as confirmed via personal correspondence.

 

The point of the article is to explain some reasons behind the phenomenon and the seeming disconnection.

I think the question I'd have is why you feel there is or should be a disconnection. Should Jewishness be inherent to a particular political party? The Rabbi seemed to answer that question in his previous thoughts about being apolitical. Having a certain faith does not mean you should be in lock-step with a party or should vote a certain way.

[TBoneTX 45,571]

I don't think that we're disagreeing.