As the presidential race heats up, the question of the role of religion in politics, especially here at Shomrei Torah, feels more urgent to me. We do have a few guidelines. For us to keep our non-profit tax exempt status we cannot favor one candidate over another. We can and do get behind issues, just not candidates. Following Rabbi Michael Robinson’s lead, may his memory be for a blessing, I do not declare my support for one candidate over another so that I can be a rabbi for all members and their political perspectives.
Nevertheless, there are many questions and opinions about what we should and should not do. For example, while many congregants appreciate sermons that touch on current political issues, others see the synagogue as a kind of sanctuary from political life. While Judaism has never recognized a separation of religions and politics, over time I have learned (I hope!) to temper what I bring to the congregation so that people with a variety of perspectives can feel welcome. There are limits to this approach. I don’t, for example, feel a need to create a space for someone who is homophobic or racist.
Here are some questions that are on my mind:
- Even though supporting one candidate over another is off limits, what happens when a candidate’s behavior crosses moral or ethical boundaries?
- How should I/we advocate for issues like Immigration Reform when in doing so we inadvertently align ourselves with one candidate over another?
- Where is the line between progressive Reform Judaism, which CST supports, and progressive politics, which many members do not?
These questions are bigger than a synagogue’s leadership. They are best addressed by the whole congregation, which is why I’m asking you to join the conversation. Please post a comment below and share your thoughts.
Surely it is within the function of our clergy to point out when a candidate or program is leading us down a path that blatantly contravenes our ethical teachings.
I agree with the gist of Perry’s comment. More specifically, our rabbis might well raise questions about particular positions candidates take that seem to conflict with precepts of Reform Judaism and teachings of Torah. The rabbi would go on to explain the ethical and other bases for his or her concern and invite thoughtful comment and respectful discussion. Many of us would welcome such communication at a time of national division and emotional excess, a situation that is only likely to intensify as November approaches. It seems to me that the potential benefits of such an exchange-grounded in good will-would be worth a gingerly try.
I think in this election it is imperative that you take a position against Donald Trump. He is a racist,sexist, hate filled person. There is no good reason to vote for him. As the leader of our congregation it is your moral duty to speak out against him and his views.