Comments on: Newly Published Letter Reveals the Rebbe’s View on the WZC Election

By: Yankel

Yankel — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:35:22 +0000

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.

By: Question

Question — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:24:10 +0000

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.

By: Sharing more information:

Sharing more information: — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:10:59 +0000

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.

By: The Rebbe’s Stance on Chabad and Zionist Elections

The Rebbe’s Stance on Chabad and Zionist Elections — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:28:38 +0000

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.

By: Is this correct context for today?

Is this correct context for today? — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:15:05 +0000

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?