With Election Day just hours away, 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, citing concerns over Torah values, religious freedom, Yeshiva education, and the future of the Orthodox Jewish community.

The letter, released ahead of Tuesday’s November 3 election, describes voting as “a mitzvah, a chiyuv, and a responsibility,” emphasizing the importance of participating in elections that could have long-term consequences for the community.

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

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

The letter also addresses the role of government funding in political endorsements, cautioning against evaluating candidates solely on the basis of grants or financial assistance promised to individual institutions. Instead, the Rabbonim urge voters to consider the broader interests and long-term welfare of the community.

Emphasizing the importance of checks and balances in state government, the Rabbonim warn that decisions made in Albany can have lasting consequences for Orthodox Jewish families, schools, and neighborhoods.

The letter expresses Hakaras Hatov to Weber, Lawler, and Blakeman, crediting them with standing against antisemitism, supporting the safety and security of Acheinu Bnei Yisroel, and demonstrating their commitment to the community through their actions.

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

The 18 Rabbonim who joined the Kol Korei, listed alphabetically by last name, are:

1. Rabbi Eliezer Abish — Khal Netzach Shlomo, New City
2. Rabbi Dovid Bartfeld — K’hal 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 — K’hal 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 of 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 statement comes amid differing political endorsements within Rockland County’s Orthodox Jewish community, with various Rabbonim, community leaders, and institutions expressing support for candidates based on their respective priorities and concerns.

The Kol Korei 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 issued by the Rabbonim in their personal capacities and not on behalf of their respective organizations.

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