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Although there was a mayoral election coming up, Loktev wasn’t overly concerned about the results. After all, he was both the incumbent, and the only candidate. Of course, there was that technical detail to hammer out. According to the regulations, he could only run for mayor if there was someone running against him. Now it was just a matter of finding the right candidate…
The mayor’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He know who it was without even asking. "Marina, you can come in!" he called out.
The door swung open, as Marina came in with her cleaning cart. As Marina efficiently dusted, swept, and gathered the garbage from the bin next to his desk, a thought popped into Nikolai’s head.
"Marina!" he exclaimed. "How would you like to run against me in the election?"
The only sound Nikolai heard in response was that of Marina’s broom clattering to the floor.
"I see you’re not sure what to make of my suggestion," Loktev continued. "Let me explain the problem. I’ve been the mayor of this town for years, as you know. My current term is almost up. Of course, it would be in the best interest of the people of Povalikhino if I were to be reelected. However, there’s a small problem. In order for elections to be held, I have to have someone running against me. I think you’d do a great job!"
"But I don’t know anything about running for mayor," Marina responded. "Besides, I don’t even want to be mayor!"
"Well, that’s the beauty of the situation," Loktev explained. "You don’t have to do any campaigning because you don’t want to win! I’ll tell you what. I’ll even take care of registering you as a candidate."
With Marina’s reluctant permission, Loktev went about registering the new candidate for the election. For her part, Marina continued as usual, sweeping, dusting and straightening. Until the day after the election.
"62% of the vote!" Nikolai exclaimed. "For Marina! But she didn’t even do any campaigning. And she has no political experience! I can’t believe anyone actually voted for her!"
If it was possible, Marina was even more surprised with the election results. "I only ran to help out Nikolai, and I really wasn’t looking for a career change right now!" she mused, as she pondered her options. "Maybe I should just refuse the appointment, and let Nikolai continue being the mayor."
From a Torah perspective, is Marina allowed to back out, after having been elected?
Answer of Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, shlita:
A leader is appointed according to the will of the people (see Brachot 55a). Because the residents of the city elected Marina as mayor, she is required to fill the position. It would not be an act of piety for her to give up her position to Loktev, because, in doing so, she would be going against the will of the people.
It’s interesting to note that, according to Jewish folklore, several hundred years ago, a Jew was once appointed as a temporary king of Poland. The prior king of Poland had died, and the Polish nobles were divided regarding whom to appoint as his successor. Polish law mandated that, if the noblemen could not agree upon a king, it was necessary to appoint a temporary king, in the interim. One of the noblemen was acquainted with, and impressed by, a young Jew named Shaul Katzenellenbogen. The nobleman convinced the others that Shaul was an appropriate candidate for the job, and Shaul was pronounced temporary king. During his rule, which lasted no more than a few days, Shaul worked feverishly to overturn numerous Polish anti-Semitic laws. When the noblemen reached their final decision, Shaul stepped down from his position. Sometime after, the name "Wahl," which means "election" in German, was appended to his name. While it is questionable whether Shaul Wahl was, in fact, suited to fill the position of king of Poland, he filled the wishes of those responsible for choosing a king.
In summary:Marina must fulfill the will of the people, and assume the position of mayor.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts