Just hours before Election Day, 18 prominent Rabbonim from across Rockland County have issued a joint Kol Korei endorsing State Senator Bill Weber and Congressman Mike Lawler for reelection, along with Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.

The Rabbonim cite concerns over Torah values, religious freedom, parental rights, Yeshiva education, public safety, and the long-term future of the Orthodox Jewish community.

“Our values are not for sale, and our community’s future must never be reduced to a funding decision,” the letter declares.

The Kol Korei describes voting as “a mitzvah, a chiyuv, and a responsibility,” emphasizing the importance of participating in Tuesday’s November 3 election.

The letter raises concerns about the possibility of a veto-proof Democratic supermajority in Albany and the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). According to the Rabbonim, these developments could have serious implications for religious freedom, parental rights, Yeshiva education, and public safety.

The Rabbonim also caution against making political decisions based solely on government grants or financial assistance promised to individual mosdos. Instead, they emphasize the importance of considering the broader interests of the community, including protecting Torah values, educational independence, and religious liberties for future generations.

The letter stresses the importance of maintaining checks and balances in Albany, warning that decisions made by state lawmakers can have lasting consequences for families, schools, and neighborhoods throughout Rockland County.

Expressing Hakaras Hatov, the Rabbonim recognize Weber, Lawler, and Blakeman for what they describe as their commitment to standing against antisemitism, supporting the safety and security of Acheinu Bnei Yisroel, and standing with the Orthodox Jewish community.

“With Hakaras Hatov, we recognize and appreciate those who have stood by our community,” the Kol Korei states.

The 18 Rabbonim joining the Kol Korei are:

1. Rabbi Eliezer Abish — Khal Netzach Shlomo, New City
2. Rabbi Dovid Bartfeld — Khal Mevakshei Hashem, Thiells
3. Rabbi Simcha Bunim Berger — Village Green Shul, Wesley Hills
4. Rabbi Daniel Coren — Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey
5. Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Feiner — Khal Cragmere Oval, New City
6. Rabbi Avrohom Yakov Horowitz — Bais Medrash Dzikov-Melitz, Spring Valley
7. Rabbi Heshy Kahan — Khal Zichron Chanina Getzel, Pomona East
8. Rabbi Ari Levitan — Khal Tiferes Tefillah, Pomona
9. Rabbi Pinchus Elchonon Mandelbaum — Bais Medrash Chancheen, Montebello
10. Rabbi Yakov Yosef Moskowitz — Khal Borov, Forshay
11. Rabbi Zvi Nussbaum — Merkaz Hatorah, Chestnut Ridge
12. Rabbi Shlomo Perlstein — Summit Park Shul, New Hempstead
13. Rabbi Yehuda Leib Reidel — Bais Medrash of Haverstraw
14. Rabbi Ari Senter — Kehilas Yesharim, Wesley Hills
15. Rabbi Yosef Simon — Toras Dovid Kollel, Monsey
16. Rabbi Akiva Tendler — Bais Medrash Darchei Meyer, Airmont
17. Rabbi Yisroel Teichman — Kehillas Zichron Yitzchok, New Hempstead
18. Rabbi Yehoshua Weber — Khal Ohr Tzvi, Montebello

The joint Kol Korei comes as Rockland County’s Orthodox Jewish community has seen differing political endorsements ahead of the election, with various Rabbonim, askanim, and mosdos expressing support for candidates based on their respective priorities and concerns.

The letter concludes with a message of Hakaras Hatov toward the endorsed candidates:

“They have stood with us. Now it is our turn to stand with them.”

Disclosure: The endorsements were made by the Rabbonim in their personal capacities and not on behalf of their respective organizations.