Even in biblical times, G-d instructs the Israelites to appoint people to lead over them.
G-d suggests that the citizens care about their city, as their success is dependent on the success of the place in which they live.
Additionally, the Rabbis emphasize that we should stay engaged within our community.
(ד)...הִלֵּל אוֹמֵר, אַל תִּפְרֹשׁ מִן הַצִּבּוּר.
(4)...Hillel said: do not separate yourself from the community.
Lastly, the Rabbis agree that government is necessary and people would be put in danger without it.
(ב) רַבִּי חֲנִינָא סְגַן הַכֹּהֲנִים אוֹמֵר, הֱוֵי מִתְפַּלֵּל בִּשְׁלוֹמָהּ שֶׁל מַלְכוּת, שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא מוֹרָאָהּ, אִישׁ אֶת רֵעֵהוּ חַיִּים בְּלָעוֹ.
(2) Rabbi Hanina, the vice-high priest said: pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every man would swallow his neighbor alive.
Over and over again in Jewish text, we see that civic engagement, which includes voting, is an important mitzvah that we should be taking part in.
Not only should we be involved in our government, but we should also care about it and understand why it’s important to be involved.
Let’s live to our Jewish values and do our part in the upcoming election! Register to vote or check your registration status by visiting https://vote.gov