A Jewish Florida man who had to vote in a Catholic church last month is suing election officials.
Jerry Rabinowitz, a non-observant Jew of Delray Beach argues that casting a ballot amid crucifixes and anti-abortion banners violates the separation of church and state.
He says elections officials refused to remove or cover religious items at Emmanuel Catholic Church. And he says that amounted to government endorsement of religion.
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6 Responses
It’s a shame that it takes crucifixes and anti-abortion banners for a Jew to realize that it is assur to enter a church in the first place.
Motcha, Most Poskim hold that as long as there is a sign outside that says “Vote Here” and you don’t go in the sanctuary it is permissible to enter the premises to vote.
I would like to know
and where are the OBSERVENT jews?
They have no problem to go into a tifleh to vote?
OR do they ALL vote ABSENTEE?
It is ok to go there to vote.
I work in the elections office in a neighboring county and would like to leave the following note. This man does not have a leg to stand on as far as this goes. There is not only early voting 7 days a week for at least 3 weeks prior to the elections, but there is also what is called Absentee Ballot. He could have voted from the comfort of his not observant home. I am observant, and work in an elections office. I vote by absentee ballot to avoid going to a polling place that is not suitable for Jews. I also keep my coworkers informed as to WHY we can’t go in places like that.
No offense, but I’d like to see a psak from a Gadol that mattirs entering a church for the purpose of voting, even with a sign that says it’s for voting. I would sooner not vote than enter a church, or even to give my family the idea that I entered such a place.