The Conscience of a Centrist

Rabbi Yisroel Motzen asks (and answers) a very interesting question in Cross Currents. Is Judaism apolitical? His answer is that it is not, nor should it be. The question then becomes in want way is it political and what do we do about it with respect to the political system in the country in which we reside? 

It is pretty obvious to me that politics often dominate a conversation between Orthodox Jews. What is interesting about that is that that the political opinions of Orthodox Jews span the entire political spectrum I from left to right. Each side claiming that their political perspective is based on their Orthodox religious perspective. There have been some pretty nasty comments from both sides about the other in that regard. Each claiming that their political perspective is the more authentically Jewish one while the other is not authentic in any way.

In the course of Rabbi Motzen’s article, he cites a legitimate concern asked by a prominent Conservative rabbi – followed by very astute observation: 

Rabbi David Wolpe, a leading Conservative rabbi… challenged his colleagues to explain in what way their politics would be different without a Torah. Is it the Torah influencing one’s politics or is it the other way around?
 It’s not that hard to find a Biblical story or even a Talmudic statement to support any given political view. Shakespeare knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “the Devil doth quote scripture.” 

How right he is! I see that all the time by Orthodox Jews on both ends of the political spectrum. Whether in personal or online debate; in the popular religious media; and even by Orthodox rabbis from the pulpit. (I admit to falling into that trap myself sometimes - although I try not to.)

He ends by saying that he regrets that the silent majority has thus far remained silent. By which I assume he means that there is a centrist position comprised of the majority of Orthodox Jews whose views are more objectively tied to the Torah’s actual position. But who are nonetheless reticent to express their views in public at all. 

By example he says that a conversation at a Shabbos table will elicit political views by some of the participants that reflect their political biases - citing them as the Torah oriented point of view.  That might see nodding in agreement by others at the table - even if they have a more nuanced approach to an issue that is guided more by the Torah that by politics. 

That silence, says Rabbi Motzen, does a disservice to the truth. Regardless of where that view falls on the left-right political spectrum.

I agree with Rabbi Motzen. We could use a lot more objectivity in our politics using the Torah as our guide whenever possible. That is why I am not purely a political conservative or a liberal. And that’s what ‘Emes Ve-Emunah’ is all about