One of the most memorable scenes from Fiddler on the Roof is when the rabbi is asked to say a blessing for the Czar. The blessing? “May God bless and keep the Czar…[long pause]…far away from us!” With that, the villagers in Anatevka break into loud amens. Of course, that’s because the goal in so many towns and shtetls where Jews dwelled was to keep their heads low, avoid attention, and just get through each day without being molested by the oppressive government.
The Jews in Roman times offered a different perspective in their prayers. The ancient Rabbi, Hanina, also a Kohen Gadol (high priest) declared: “pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every person would swallow their neighbor alive!”
There are numerous stories in the Bible and Talmud of characters encountering monarchs and engaging in differing degrees of deception or tribute—or sometimes both to protect their interests (or their lives). They were met with varying degrees of success; the court Jew famously protected the interests of his community. Joseph is among the earliest and best known tales of an Israelite gaining power in a foreign government.
We are not in Anatevka, nor are we court Jews, but indeed we pray for the welfare of our own nation. Of course, prayer is only the beginning and to paraphrase Hillel: “If we are only for ourselves, what are we?” So, it is for this very reason that it is a deeply Jewish act to participate in the ways of the state, not just for the welfare of the Jewish community and Israel, but for the general welfare of all the citizens of subjects. As a major election looms before us in November, it is imperative that we register to vote, learn about the many choices before us, and mark our ballots in time for our voices to be heard.
— Rabbi Ron Stern