This is how good American Jews vote

There are people out there – candidates as well as Jewish leaders – who will insist that, in U.S. elections, Jews who are serious about their Jewishness and about their relationship with Israel, have only one choice about who to vote for. I’m here to tell you that, just as there is more than one way to do Jewish and to love Israel, there is more than one way to vote. American Jews have never been monolithic in political leanings, and going back to the Civil War, even lined up on both sides.

We American Jews are not voting on one issue, either. We are Americans, loyal to America and wanting the best possible leadership for our country. And within the Jewish community of America, there is at least as much diversity of opinion as to how to love Israel is there is diversity among Israeli’s as to what political streams will best lead it. And that’s they way it should be. Because, free will and democracy are important to us.

Being a registered independent voter, and having never voted a straight party ticket, I’ve got some tough choices to make, not only for president but for many other elected positions this year. So, here’s what is going on as I choose. I am looking for the candidates who exhibit some very Jewish values:

• Demonstrating responsible leadership and management – Real leaders take responsibility and take charge. There are some pretty good models of leadership and management in Jewish tradition: Moses defending the Israelite, going into exile and returning to lead people to freedom; Miriam leading the women in song at the crossing of the sea; in more modern times, David Ben Gurion, being the master politician in declaring and leading the first Jewish nation in close to 2000 years.
• Showing empathy – Moses, David, Rachel and others, are chosen for their roles as they are leading sheep. The Jewish teaching is that if you can lead and show concern for lowly animals, you will most certainly empathize and be able to lead human communities
• Bringing together people with diverse views. Two Jewish teachings: In the creation story, God actually consults with his “cabinet” before creating the first human (“Let US create…). And in the Talmud, the quote “These teachings and these teachings are both words of the Living God” reminds us to value and respect differences of opinions. Without differing opinions, the Talmud doesn’t exist. Without Talmud, Judaism as we know it doesn’t exist.
• Love of humanity – In my experience, I have seen educators who “don’t like children” and politicians who don’t love and respect those they lead, or those with different opinions. It doesn’t work. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” applies to everyone. but it’s especially important to live that mitzvah as a leadership practice. To me, love of humanity includes working across political divides to get things done. I’ll vote accordingly.
• Honesty and Integrity – Personal and professional integrity matter. A LOT. Because the phrase Adonai Eloheichem Emet, which ends the recitation of the Sh’ma is often translated as “The Lord your God is true” or “The Lord your God is truth” – that is, God is manifested through truth. OI expect my leaders to demonstrate the Godly quality of truthfulness.
• Values-driven – Those who are driven by consistent core values may be swayed in specific situations for political reasons, but will remain faithful to the values they hold dearest. Israelite leaders in the bible stray. Often. But the prophets move leaders like David and other kings back to their core values. And the good kings in the bible recognize that they’ve gone astray and find their way back. In modern times, there have been U.S. presidents and elected officials who’ve behaved in ways that contradicted their personal values. What is of interest to me is whether they use those “ooops” moments to learn something and change, or whether they double down and insist that their sins are fine.
• Humility – Good leaders never believe that they have all the answers. The ultimate praise of Moshe appears later in the Torah, which describes him as the most humble of all people. He’s so humble that he readily accepts his father-in-law, Jethro’s, advise on how to establish a leadership system.
• Stands on issues that matter – That’s right. This is the last on my list for a reason. Yes, I want to know that my political leaders care about healthcare for all. Yes, I want to know that my leaders will confront racism and bigotry wherever they raise their ugly heads. Yes, I want leaders who will support Israel (and allow them to disagree with specific policies of Israel). But politicians are gonna politic. And that means that there will be a lot of bartering because that’s how the game is played. So I will go with the leadership and character of candidates I will vote for, and expect that, when those considerations align to a reasonable degree, I’ll step into my polling place.