The Jewish Federation’s JCRC shares this message from our colleagues in at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Metro Detroit.
We are writing to encourage every eligible member of our community to participate in Michigan’s August 4 Democratic primary, either in person or by absentee ballot.
Whether you identify as a Democrat, Republican, or independent, we believe this election carries unusual significance for the Jewish community. Because Michigan’s primary is open, voters may choose to participate in either party’s primary election. We are asking you to participate in the Democratic primary for the United States Senate race and to support in this primary the candidate whose record, actions, and rhetoric demonstrate the strongest commitment to protecting Jewish lives by combating antisemitism, seeking federal security funding for American Jewish communities, and supporting Israel’s security and right to exist as a Jewish state.
Please note that, by voting in the Democratic primary, you are unable to also vote in the Republican primary. You are still free to vote for whomever you want in November’s General Election.
We recognize that this request is unusual. Synagogues should not become partisan institutions, and reasonable people can disagree on many political issues. Yet there are moments when issues affecting Jewish safety and security rise above ordinary political considerations.
Over the past several years, antisemitic incidents have risen dramatically across the United States. We have witnessed attacks on Jewish institutions, increasing hostility toward Jews in public life, and rhetoric that often crosses the line from criticism of Israeli policies into demonization of Israel and, at times, of Jews themselves. These developments affect not only Jewish communities abroad but our own community here in Michigan, as we saw with the terrorist attack on Temple Israel this past March.
The Book of Esther teaches that there are moments when silence is not an option. When Esther hesitated to act on behalf of her people, Mordecai reminded her: “Who knows, perhaps you have attained your position for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
We believe this is such a moment.
Therefore, we encourage you to become informed about the candidates’ records and positions regarding antisemitism, Israel, campus unrest, and the safety of Jewish communities. Study the issues carefully. Vote thoughtfully. Most importantly, vote.
Michigan’s primary election is Tuesday, August 4. Absentee ballots may be requested through the Michigan Secretary of State.
Respectfully,
Rabbi Aaron Starr
Rabbi Yoni Dahlen
Hazzan David Propis
Ritual Director Saul Rube