Rav Chaim Kanievsky Expresses Support for WZO Vote in Letter to Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky

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This past week, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva if Philadelphia, wrote a letter to Rav Chaim Kanievsky regarding the question of voting in the WZO election.

The full text of the letter was reviewed by Matzav.com.

Rav Shmuel expressed in the letter that he had heard that Rav Chaim issued a “hora’as sha’ah” to permit voting in the WZO election. Rav Shmuel raised some of the issues that have been brought to the fore regarding this matter, including the fact that voting in the WZO is contrary to the mesorah of gedolei Yisroel of past generations, as well as the fact that in order to vote, one must become a member of the WZO and express affirmation of all that they stand for.

Rav Shmuel said that in light of this, some have wondered if Rav Chaim didn’t actually permit voting in the WZO or if he was perhaps relying on information provided to him by others in issuing his decision.

Rav Chaim responded to Rav Shmuel, writing, “Nechonim hadevorim. Kedai meod lehatzbia.” (What you wrote is correct. It is definitely worthy to vote.)

{Matzav.com Newscenter}


27 COMMENTS

  1. וקמת ועלית את השופט אשר יהיה בימים ההם אין לך אלא שופט שבימיך

    Yiftach bedoro keShmuel bedoro

    • It seems to me that HaRav Kamenetzky was concerned that HaRav Kanievsky wasn’t aware of all the facts when he decided to permit it, or that he hadn’t actually permitted it. The response was – the facts you’ve said are correct, I was aware of them and have taken them into account, and my decision is to strongly recommend people to vote.

  2. There is a fee for joining. Are we michuyav to join even if we have to pay a membership fee? Can we use maaser money?

    • . It’s 7.50 and Rav Berkovits had said it doesn’t count as maaser(someone demonstrated that based on the amount of votes from the last election+ the amount given it was worth around $18,000 per vote!)

    • Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz has said that you CAN use ma’aser money for this, I have spoken with him personally regarding this campaign and he strongly encourages everyone who can to vote.
      Note that it’s $5 if you are under 25.

  3. The Gemorah teaches that only one of a thousand are Morah Horah. As such, klal yisroel is blessed with Hgaon Reb Shmuel Kamentsky shlita who is both a Morah Horah and Rosh Yeshiva.

  4. I will proudly vote if I can. Ein lonu rak hotorah hazos. Gedolei Yisroel were not thrilled to join Israeli governments either etc. But as yidden we listen to Gedolei Hador, proudly – and we do whatever they say. That is what Hashem wants from us. Hashem will not have taanus on you unless you do not listen to Gedolei Hador. Naaseh Vnishmah…

  5. SLates 1, 4 , 9 and 15 are all orthodox and will put in delegates from orthodox parties. Check out the website; the names of delegates are listed on the slates

  6. Are people really hesitating to vote OVER $ 7.50? HAVE PEOPLE LOST THEIR MINDS? THIS IS REALLY CRUCIAL! WHO CARES IF U CAN USE MAASER OR NOT – JUST DO IT SHOTEH AND LISTEN TO RAV CHAIM!!

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