4 Pressing Post-Election Thoughts For A Better Tomorrow

No matter where we stand on the political spectrum, many questions remain open after this week’s tumultuous elections: What does our future hold? How will the economy respond? How will these elections affect Israel’s war of good versus evil? And how will the rising tide of antisemitism be combated?

As we journey together through the possibilities and challenges of the months and years ahead, here are four guiding principles that can root us in what truly matters:

1. Changing the World, Starts with Changing The Self

Many believe that their votes and political stances will help combat all that is wrong in our country—from racism to bigotry, from political ideals to economic issues.

Yet, in the pursuit of bettering the world, many fail to better themselves. In their zeal to promote tolerance and understanding, they often overlook practicing those very qualities. Their good intentions are then tarnished by hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

My beloved mentor, Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz of blessed memory, once advised me: “Know that the greatest obstacle to me, Adin, is me. The greatest obstacle to you, Pinchas, is you. But once you learn to master yourself, you will not have any problem mastering the entire world.”

Let this pivotal moment in our collective story serve as a reminder to overcome our personal evil inclinations and cultivate our Divine soul and its goodness and kindness. The world will shine its brightest light when each of us strives to elevate and improve ourselves.

2. Strong Families Make Strong Societies

While elected leaders can influence policy, the family unit can change societies. It is within the walls of our homes where love is nurtured, resilience is built, and values are instilled.

This powerful truth was communicated by our foremost teacher, Moses, during his first address to our nation following the Grand Exodus from Egypt. Rather than leading large public gatherings, Moses commanded each family to return home, conduct a “Passover seder” and engage in intimate storytelling with their children.

Judaism’s timeless message is clear: The nucleus of society is the family unit. Our homes and their values will shape the future of our generations, more than any public institution.

And so, let us dedicate ourselves, with love and dedication, to our own families, and imbue in them the Divine values that we all share. This will have a far greater impact than any vote we cast.

3. Trust in G-d Above All Else

In the face of uncertainties, one thing remains certain: G-d is still in charge. G-d has, and will forever continue to, manage the affairs of our world, and His sovereignty is never dependent on a president or any ruler.

On September 17, 1945, General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the saintly Klauzenberg Rebbe, Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halbershtam, at the DP camp for Holocaust survivors in Feldafing, Germany. General Eisenhower arrived during the morning prayers, but Rabbi Halbershtam refused to speak with him until he had finished praying. Once done, Rabbi Halbershtam apologized for the delay, explaining: “I was praying before the General of generals, the Holy One, Blessed be He. So, the general had to wait.”

We too must place our trust in the “General of generals” who “controls the hearts of all kings and those in power” (Proverbs 21:1), today, tomorrow and forever.

4. Argue Ideas, Honor People

Shortly after the infamous Crown Heights riots of 1990, then-mayor of New York, David Dinkins, visited the late Lubavitcher Rebbe to ask for a blessing for peace “between the two groups — the Jews and the blacks — in their neighborhood.” The Rebbe’s response was profound: “Not two people and two sides, but one people on one side.”

This has been one of the most divisive election seasons in recent history. Personal attacks were launched, friendships broken, and walls of hostility built. Why can’t we disagree without being disagreeable? What happened to the commandment “Love your fellow as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18)? When did political allegiances become more important than our relationships with family and community?

Following these divisive elections, let us never forget that we can battle ideas but must never battle people. We can argue about political content but we must always respect and never confront the “image of G-d” inherent in every human being. As the great seal of the United States proclaims: “E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one.”

Indeed, we are “one people, on one side.”