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BMG Poskim and Roshei Yeshiva Release Letter Regarding Permissibility of Participating in 2010 Census
Thursday March 18, 2010
The letter is signed by the four senior poskim of Beth Medrash Govoha, Rav Yaakov Forchheimer, Rav Shmuel Meir Katz, Rav Osher Chaim Lieberman and Rav Shmuel Felder. The letter is also signed by the four roshei yeshiva, Rav Malkiel Kotler, Rav Dovid Schustal Rav Yeruchom Olshin and Rav Yisroel Neuman, and the mashgiach, Rav Matisyahu Salomon.
The note from the poskim states that there is no comparison between the American census and the census in Israel, regarding which certain Yidden are machmir, adding that never in the past – not during the census counts of 1980, 1990 or 2000 – has there been any sort of doubt about the halachic permissibility of participating in the census. The poskim also point out the importance of the census to the town of Lakewood and the services and funding it receives.
Failure to respond to the census carries a fine of up to $5,000, although that law is rarely enforced.
Aside from fulfilling a duty as a U.S. citizen, the census is also very beneficial to the Lakewood community. About 65 percent of Lakewood residents participated in the 2000 Census. Although that is in line with the national average, it means Lakewood received only 65 cents for every federal dollar it could have received had everybody participated.
Because April 1 is in the middle of Pesach, a time when people are away or busy with the holiday, it is important to fill out the census form and send it back in a timely manner. The form, as mentioned, is only 10 questions, and should take no longer than 10 minutes to fill out.
The population of Lakewood in the 2000 census was about 60,352. The projected population of Lakewood is 110,000. Askanim have told us that they are aiming for at least 96 percent participation, which would put the population of Lakewood at 100,000. This would designate Lakewood as a city, which will attract businesses and jobs, revenue for its tax base, transportation, other infrastructure projects, and many other issues.