A newly published letter of the Rebbe sheds light on the current discussion about participating in the World Zionist Congress elections taking place these days. “Adding members to the WZC in the USA will not impact the leadership of the movement at all,” the Rebbe writes.
By Anash.org reporter
With elections for the World Zionist Congress underway, there has been much discussion about whether one should participate. Anash.org previously published an answer from Harav Yosef Braun of the Crown Heights Beis Din, in which he concluded that it would be appropriate for Lubavitch Chassidim to refrain from voting in these elections.
Harav Braun explained that participating would, in effect, endorse an organization whose views often contradict Torah values and, certainly, the positions of our Rebbeim. He also clarified the distinction between these elections and those for the Israeli Knesset, where the Rebbe encouraged Chassidim to vote.
Recently, a previously unseen letter from the Rebbe was published addressing this very question. The letter was written to Rabbi Eliezer Zalman Bronstein, a leader of the Mizrachi party and its representative in the World Zionist Congress. Like today, he was concerned about the influence of Reform and leftist ideologies within the WZC and sought to strengthen religious representation.
In his response, the Rebbe questions the impact of voting in the WZC and directs him to focus his efforts on strengthening Yiddishkeit within his own ranks. However, it should be noted that the Rebbe does not say that there is any problem with participating in the election.
Below is a free translation of the Rebbe’s letter:
B”H, 18 Sivan 5742
Brooklyn N.Y.
To Rabbi Eliezer Zalman sheyichye Bronstien,
Greetings and blessings!
I acknowledge your letter from Isru Chag Shavuos which arrived late, in which you write about the growing influence of the Reform movement in Eretz Yisroel, specifically through the WZC.
Certainly, you who are well-versed in the inner workings of the WZC will know how to address the aforementioned issues.
However, after begging your forgiveness, I believe, based on the information I received, that adding a number of members to the WZC in the USA and the like won’t impact the leaders of the movement in Eretz Yisroel at all, as he has clearly seen with certain fundamental issues. Additionally, the sway of the WZC has significantly diminished in recent years and continues to decline.
Understandably, I have not given up at all, and everyone must do everything in their power—and more—to oppose the growing influence of the Reform movement and the like. This begins with the guidance of the Torah – a living Torah that provides direction for life – that “action is the main thing,” as has been emphasized many times.
To quote the Gemara: “Rav found a valley and fenced it off.” In practical and simple terms, when one encounters a ‘valley’ or the danger of a ‘valley,’ one must build fences— as recounted in certain places in the Gemara. This means to increase in Torah and Mitzvos and in a practical way. Precisely this way has proven to be successful.
This is in contrast to the claim – also claimed by the reform movement – that by abandoning certain mitzvos particularly while asserting that this is not a surrender but a fundamental philosophy, they will be increasingly successful. If further proof were needed, the bitter truth has shown, particularly in the U.S., that the exact opposite is true.
Yehi ratzon that my words will be accepted by you and that you will act upon them, ‘building a fence’ in the manner described above, wherever you have influence in the U.S. Since all Jewish people are one, thus in addition to the fact that it will immediately bring good results on site, it will inevitably influence all places where Yidden reside, including in Eretz HaKodesh.
With honor and blessings for good news in all of the above.
The Rebbe writes: “Additionally, the sway of the WZC has significantly diminished in recent years and continues to decline.”
The Rebbe emphasizes that at the time the organization basically doesn’t have any power.
Though it does seem like nowadays the WZC does have power…..maybe the horaah would be different?
For a Chabad Chossid, the question of whether to vote in the WZO elections is not a halachic issue—it is a matter of hashkafa, guided by the approach of our holy Rebbeim and their position on Zionism.
The letter in question was written to someone who was already a committed Zionist, actively involved in the movement. Even to him, the Rebbe made it clear that participating in these elections is a waste of time.
It is well documented that the Rebbe encouraged religious Zionists to strengthen the religious aspect within their movement. However, this was only directed at those who were already part of the Zionist framework. The Frierdiker Rebbe similarly expressed this perspective in his letter to Harav Herzog, stating that it is not Chabad’s role to attack or dismantle other movements, even if they are on the wrong path. Nevertheless, he was unequivocal that Chabad, and even someone like Harav Herzog, could not be part of Zionist organizations under any circumstances.
A striking example of the Rebbe’s approach is an exchange with Moshe Ishon, a spiritual leader, educator, and commentator within the Mizrachi religious Zionist movement. Ishon, a close friend of Lubavitch, once had a Yechidus with the Rebbe, during which the Rebbe asked why the Bnei Akiva movement was weakening in membership and urged him to strengthen it.
Shocked, Ishon asked: “But the Rebbe does not support our ideology—why would you encourage me to increase membership?”
The Rebbe responded: “You must do what you can to bring them to you because you have influence. I will take them from you and elevate them even higher.”
This response is crucial. Nowhere did the Rebbe indicate that Chabad Chassidim should engage in promoting Zionism or attempt to shape its direction. Even in this letter to a Zionist, the Rebbe explicitly states that the WZO elections have no real impact.
For a Chossid to rationalize voting by claiming it will achieve something positive is misguided. The Rebbeim were unequivocal: Lubavitch and Chassidim must not identify with or participate in any Zionist movement or ideology. This principle is clear and needs no elaboration.
Thanks for posting. I’m hesitant to post this because what if I don’t remember exactly and/or didn’t understand the psak correctly at the time, but what I think it is is that years ago there was such an election and I called Rabbi Aharon Yacov Schwei because I had heard on Zev Brenner “Jewish radio” that it was important; and Rabbi Schwei told me not to vote, because that requires sort of “joining” zionist organization, but to encourage those whose sheeta allows it (I guess “modern orthodox”, “religious zionists” etc.) to vote.
We register as democrats or republicans in order to vote in any US election. Does this mean we suddenly become “democrats” or “republicans” and adopt all views of these parties many of which are contrary to Torah? We register to vote, to have a voice, and sway things for the best possible outcome for the yidden. Not sure I fully understand the distinction with registering to vote here. Looking for some clarity on this as I don’t have a strong opinion just trying to understand.
The Rebbe’s letter in 5742 (1982) addressed the reality of the World Zionist Congress and affiliated groups over four decades ago. As the Rebbe writes “based on the information I received, that adding a number of members to the WZC in the USA and the like won’t impact the leaders of the movement in Eretz Yisroel at all, as he has clearly seen with certain fundamental issues.”
Things are not the same as they were 43 years ago.
In the last twenty years the leftist Jewish groups took control of the WZC because they dominated the US elections of the WZC. That changed after the last election five years ago. Frum parties earned many votes, and for the first time there was a small rightwing/religious majority. Those frum groups were able to change many of the policies. Despite opposition from the left, funds went to Chinuch, Yeshivas and Yehuda & Shomron.
This time the Reform/Conservative have started a large campaign, because they know that if the frum parties score a strong victory they will be marginalized.