Are the candidates you are considering inspiring, capable and decent?
I hope you will consider the following characteristics, derived from the Jewish Bible
WHO INSPIRE
Joshua was “filled with the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9).
Who Believe that With God’s Help, There Is a Dream for All Americans
Moses was inspirational. So too, we need leaders who will inspire us to believe that our collective future can be ever better, perhaps even a heaven on Earth.
Who Work Toward the Pursuit of Happiness for All
Solomon taught that accumulating good deeds leads to true happiness. So too, we need leaders who make it more likely that each of us can obtain meaningful happiness.
Who are Committed to a United Country
David described the glory that arises when brothers and sisters dwell in unity. So too, we need leaders who can catalyze our country into a “more perfect Union”.
WHO ARE CAPABLE
Seek out from among all the people capable leaders (Exodus 18:21).
Who Choose Excellent Officials for Each Position
Moses selected subordinate officers who were knowledgeable and wise. So too, we need to select leaders who will be effective in their specific roles and will choose excellent assistants.
Who Build on Our Differences
The Talmud teaches that disputes for the sake of heaven are worthy. So too, we need leaders who will build on different ideas and perspectives and “insure domestic Tranquility.”
Who Promote Checks and Balances
The king, priests and prophets sanctioned by the Bible were separate powers. So too, we need leaders who will support all of our separate branches of power.
Who Nurture Economic Success and Creating Jobs
Joseph created wealth, but his brothers’ jealousy was wrong. So too, we need leaders who can address technological disruptions in our job markets without fomenting jealousy and ill will.
Who Help the Poor
The Bible requires us to tithe for charity, but we are not to favor the poor over the wealthy. So too, we need leaders who can reduce the gap between the poor and the wealthy without vilifying the generation of wealth.
Who Live Alongside Other Nations
Abraham, Jacob and Joseph formed alliances. So too, we need leaders who will be able to encourage other nations to ally with us.
Who Love Israel
Ezekiel and Isaiah foresaw the regathering of the Jewish people in Israel. So too, we need leaders who support the State of Israel.
Who Protect Our Planet Earth
Adam and Eve were charged to protect the Garden of Eden. So too, we need leaders who will strive to protect our environment.
Who Address Seemingly Unresolvable Issues
Moses confronted many difficult issues. So too, we need leaders who can make forward progress on today’s difficult issues like guns, choices about having a child, immigration, and health care.
WHO ARE DECENT
Seek out leaders who are God-fearing people of truth who spurn ill-gotten gain (Exodus 18:21).
Leaders who follow the golden rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
Who Lead as Citizens
A king of Israel may not be considered better than the people. So too, we need leaders who are not self-aggrandizing but strive to serve all Americans.
Who Pursue Justice
The Passover story is a biblical call for justice. So too, we need leaders who will pursue justice for all of us.
Who Stand Against Evil
The Bible commands us not to forget the evil of Amalek. So too, we need leaders who stand against evil from abroad and at home.
Who Speak Well of Others
David taught us to guard our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking deceitfully. So too, we need leaders who speak in an uplifting, not nasty, manner.
Who Value Truth
The Bible requires us to distance ourselves from a false word. So too, we need leaders who speak truthfully.
Who Possess a Good Heart
The Talmud teaches that a person with a good heart necessarily has other important character traits. If you remain uncertain whom to vote for, pick a candidate with noble character.
Bask in the Sunshine 