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getzel1: that sounds like an Oligarchy, which may or may not be appropriate for the Lakewood community. I don’t want to pass judgement since I don’t live in the area. I just wanted a little clarification of the terms.
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the torah is alive and well, the tochacha says; maharsayich umachrivayich mimcha yetzeyeu!
BMG has a right to have a say. That said, many chashuveh rabbonim endorsed Christie, against the Vaad’s recommendations.
BMG is not legally allowed to endorse any candidate unless they want to lose their tax exempt status.
In fact not religious institution of any kind is allowed to endorse candidates otherwise they can lose this benefit.
While a Rabbi at his own personal table can say he supports such and such candidate, he cannot say so on the pulpit.
If Rav Kotler wishes to endorse a candidate, he may do so as Rabbi Malkiel Kotler, a rabbi in the Lakewood community, but he cannot do so as Rosh Yeshiva or BMG and cannot do it on the pulpit and certainly not during a shabbos drasha
BMG should most definitely have a say in Lakewood, state, and national politics, if it sees fit. BMG is a major institution that also is part of the American fabric, just like any, l’havdil, component of society such as a business, athletic team, and double l’havdil Georgian Court College as well as other religious organizations, too, who seek to have their concerns addressed buy political due process.
Further, having said that, and politics being what it is, the way that “say” is manifest by any given individual on behalf of BMG will always be of a politically debatable nature.
I say let BMG be BMG and come to a consensus of what they want to do. There are some pretty smart people over there. 🙂
There is a difference between endorsing candidates and asking for things that your community needs.
While its illegal for BMG to endorse a candidate, its perfectly legal for them to lobby for say tax credits for yeshiva tuition
BMG’s say is done using a third-party organization that is not BMG. So they manage to have their say without affecting their non-profit status. Standard loophole. Many voters went against the vaad last time and voted for Christie instead of Corzine. history shows who was right.
BMG is not allowed to endorse anyone due to its tax exempt status. However, they can and do, make their opinions known on many issues in a variety of ways. As a local “resident” BMG has no more or no less “right” to have a say then any other resident in the township, county or state. As to whether you are obligated to believe in every cause they do, or vote for their candidate or issue of choice, that is for you to ask your Rav.
Hi apushatayid – Having been directly involved with local, Lakewood politics as a candidate’s campaign manager and a treasurer, in my experience “BMG” has never endorsed any candidate. However, people extremely closely tied to BMG, and some not-so-tied to BMG, but in the community nonetheless, not only endorse, but are also highly influential in placing candidates on the ballot for both parties. Again, any one action taken in the political arena is going to be subject to either great support or great criticism. But that is politics. Once you are in the game, and to a degree, one must be involved in the political arena, you have to hit the pavement running or you are out. I think Lakewood cannot do enough for the Jewish community.
BTGUY. I’m not sure if you are agreeing, disagreeing or adding something to my comment. Either way, I can count on one hand the number of times I have been in Lakewood, NJ. I have no clue what local politics is like, who its players are and the issues that make people tick. I was simply commenting on whether or not BMG should have a say in Lakewood politics. The short answer, if it affects them, they better.
Hi apushatayid. Just adding to your comment. BMG and Lakewood politics is a big issue all over the place. I agree with your statement.
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