Let’s be honest—when a new president takes office, the energy is palpable. The inauguration, the speeches, the promises of change—it’s all-consuming. And for good reason: leadership matters, and a new administration brings the potential for new opportunities and challenges. But as President Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office, it’s worth asking: How should we, as Jews, balance our engagement with politics and our ultimate trust in Hashem? Spoiler alert: no politician, no matter how powerful or charismatic, can replace Divine providence.
Judaism values justice and societal responsibility. The Torah commands us to “appoint judges and officers” to ensure fairness and order in our communities (Devarim 16:18). The Gemara in Nedarim (28a) introduces the concept of dina d’malchuta dina—the law of the land is binding. Sefer Yirmeyahu (29:7) teaches us to “seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you, and pray to Hashem on its behalf, for in its peace, you will find peace.” These verses remind us that, while we live in exile, we must contribute to the society around us. Voting, advocating, and participating in civic life are critical parts of this responsibility.
But let’s not forget who’s really in charge.
The Torah repeatedly reminds us that our ultimate salvation doesn’t come from kings, governments, or political systems. David HaMelech himself wrote, “Do not trust in princes, in a human being who cannot bring deliverance” (Tehillim 146:3). History underscores this lesson. Time and again, Jews placed their faith in rulers, only to be betrayed. Whether it was Pharaoh in Egypt, medieval kings, or modern politicians, reliance on human power has consistently fallen short.
Let’s be honest, as President Donald Trump takes office, some may feel a surge of hope ourselves and the state of Israel, others a wave of concern. But neither response should eclipse our grounding in faith. Leaders will come and go. Policies will change. Promises may or may not materialize. Our job as Jews is to engage in the process while remembering that Hashem alone holds the keys to our destiny.
So, what does this balance look like as a new administration begins?
First, show up. Participate in elections, advocate for change, and speak out against wrongs. Voting is not just a civic duty—it’s a mitzvah. Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l emphasized the importance of voting because it enables us to influence policies that affect our communities and society at large.
Second, manage your expectations. No president, party, or policy can solve all our problems. While it’s crucial to hold leaders accountable and push for meaningful change, we should temper our hopes with realism. Pirkei Avos (3:2) teaches, we must pray for the welfare of the government, recognizing its role in maintaining order, but without overestimating its power to deliver true peace. Our prayer itself is part of ensuring that we channel our focus toward who is truly in charge.
Finally, stay rooted in faith. Politics is not a substitute for Hashem’s guidance. Engage in civic life as an act of partnership with Hashem, not as a replacement for Him. The Vilna Gaon in his commentary on Mishlei (22:19) says that the primary purpose of giving the Torah to Bnei Yisrael was that we would place our faith in Hashem. Staying focused on Hashgacha Peratis.
Let’s be honest—politics can be polarizing, exhilarating, and sometimes disillusioning. As President Donald Trump takes office, emotions and hope may run high. But if we anchor ourselves in Hashgacha Peratis, we can approach this new chapter with clarity and purpose. Vote, advocate, and organize—but remember, salvation comes from Hashem, not from Washington, D.C.