We Cast Our Votes. But Who Really Decides Israel's Future?

Election season in Israel brings so many emotions. We worry about the future of Am Yisrael, the preservation of Torah and mitzvot, and the decisions that will shape our country.

So we do our part. We consider our choices, vote, encourage others to participate, and pray for the Jewish people.

But then the results come in, and suddenly we're worrying about every seat in the Knesset.

Wait a minute.

Did we forget Who is actually running the world?

We Do Our Hishtadlut. Hashem Decides.

Who took Am Yisrael out of Egypt? Who split the sea? Who protected the Jewish people through thousands of years of exile?

Hashem!

Do we really believe that the same Hashem who performed those miracles is somehow limited by election results?

Hashem can change any situation in a single moment. No politician, party, or political majority can prevent Him from accomplishing His will.

Of course, that doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing. We have a responsibility to make our hishtadlut, whether in parnassa, health, or matters concerning our nation.

But once we've done our part, we must remember that the outcome is in Hashem's hands.

The Humility to Admit We Don't Know Everything

Rabbi Reuven Elbaz teaches about the importance of hachna'ah — humility and the willingness to accept guidance.

Every person needs a rabbi whose Torah knowledge they trust and whose guidance they're willing to follow.

Why?

Because someone who listens only to themselves can begin believing they're always right. Even when they're making mistakes, they may be too convinced of their own judgment to recognize them.

If we need humility to accept the guidance of a rabbi, how much more humility do we need to accept Hashem's decisions?

We see only what's happening in front of us.

Hashem sees the entire picture.

What If the Results Aren't What You Wanted?

Imagine you've voted, prayed, and done everything you can for what you believe is best for Am Yisrael.

And then the results aren't what you hoped for.

Do you panic?

Do you think everything is lost?

Did Hashem suddenly stop running the world because the election didn't go your way?

Of course not!

Hashem was in control before the election, during the voting, and after the final ballot was counted.

True bitachon means being able to say, "Hashem, I did my hishtadlut. Now I trust You. I know that everything You do is for the good."

We don't have to understand every outcome to trust the One who controls it.

So make your effort. Take your responsibilities seriously. Pray for Am Yisrael. And then let go.

The ballots may determine who sits in the Knesset. But they will never determine Who runs the world.

No matter what happens, we place our complete trust in Hashem, knowing that everything He does is ultimately for our good.

And may we merit to see every Jew who is distant from Hashem find their way back to Him. May their hearts be filled with love for Hashem, may they discover the beauty and sweetness of Torah, and may they have the incredible privilege of living a life filled with Torah, mitzvot, and genuine closeness to our Creator.

May we see all of Am Yisrael united in emunah, love, and devotion to Hashem, and may we merit the full redemption, speedily in our days. Amen!

Based on a shiur by Rabbi Reuven Elbaz.