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Hopefully our community is by now fully aware of the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections. This, the 34th election since Theodor Herzl first convened the Congress in 1897, is how Jews around the world make their voices heard in true representative fashion. Reconstructionist founder Mordecai Kaplan, who often spoke of our "living in two civilizations" and bringing the best of one to bear upon the other, lauded the application of western democratic theory and practice to the Jewish project of upbuilding the land, people, and state of Israel. Let us not lose our chance to partake in this important project.
What is the World Zionist Congress? Every few years the international Jewish community elects representatives to come to Jerusalem and help set policy for the Zionist movement. Not only do the statements and deliberations of this democratic body help to constantly redefine Zionism (i.e. Jewish nationalism, and to a lesser extent Judaism, as well), but the WZC also determines spending priorities for the hundreds of millions of dollars raised each year from the U.S. and elsewhere that are sent to Israel. It is the closest thing to a "parliament of the Jewish people" that we have today.
How do the elections work? Each country elects its own slate. The United States alone is home to roughly two-thirds of diaspora Jewry. Thus the U.S. delegation--hundreds of people from dozens of parties, elected in proportion to the vote their parties receive, as listed on each party’s published slate-- has great influence within the WZC. Every major group in American Jewish life is vying to have maximal representation at the table. Thus each ideological and religious movement (including Reconstructionism) is now in the midst of a huge voter registration drive. The registration deadline is December 14.
Who can register, and how? According to the rules of the American Zionist Movement and World Zionist Organization, you must be (a) over 18, (b) Jewish [as defined by the community in which you reside], (c) a citizen of the country in whose election you are participating, and (d) prepared to submit a token payment of $4. If you, your friends, and/or family fit these four criteria, I urge you to register now. The quickest and easiest way is via the web: https://vote.election.com/azm-registration. Mail-in ballots are also available at Adat Shalom (or by download from the AZM website, or from AZE, P.lso avO. Box 96511, Wash. DC 20090-6511).
Who should I vote for? When registering on the web, you can learn about the various parties. Out of the range of options, there are some five or six parties that most Adat Shalomers would consider voting for--those which stand for pluralism, human rights, and thoughtful support for the peace process, among other values. ARZA/World Union is one, and it carries the official banner of both the Reconstructionist and Reform movements. Mercaz-USA, standing for similar principles, is the Conservative movement’s option. Labor and Habonim-Dror are also on this list, representing center-left Labor Zionism (including Hadassah and other important groups).
Do I know anyone on the slate of these parties? Yes you do! I’ve saved two parties for last. Meretz-USA, in support of the left-wing coalition in Israeli politics, enjoys at least as much support from across the Reconstructionist movement as "our own" ARZA/World Union ticket does. The list is headed by a long-time chairperson of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s Board of Governors (Aaron Ziegelman of New York), and includes one Rabbi Sidney Schwarz. A related group, which will track Meretz’s vote on social issues but specifically looks to establish environmental sustainability as a criterion for all Zionist projects, is the Green Zionist Alliance; its list is headed by a past Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association president (Rabbi Michael Cohen of VT), and includes one Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb.
Let me close by quoting from an open letter by Aaron Ziegelman: "Whichever slate you vote for, the important thing is that you register. The opportunity to make your voice heard in the democratic process of elections is rare enough in Jewish life that it should not be ignored." His letter ends: "I believe the Meretz USA slate represents a better future for the Jewish world and the Reconstructionist Movement - but you can vote only if you register. The important thing is that the choice will be yours." Please make a choice, whatever it may be. Please register (again, by December 14: https://vote.election.com/azm-registration), and participate in Jewish democracy at its best.
Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb
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