Growing up as an Iranian-American with deep cultural ties to the history of the Safavid Dynasty, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful religious, social, and political identities can shape people's beliefs and actions. In America, I have witnessed a similar dynamic within the Jewish community, particularly between the left-leaning Jews and those on the right. Both factions claim to share a heritage rooted in faith, but the stark contrast in their morals and political convictions is unmistakable. The divide between leftist Jews and right-wing Jews is one of the most fascinating—and important—dynamics playing out in America today, particularly when it comes to politics, values, and the preservation of freedom.
The Political Divide
Left-leaning Jews have historically aligned themselves with progressive causes and the Democratic Party. This group represents the majority of American Jews, many of whom hold social justice and egalitarianism as the cornerstones of their beliefs. They often view themselves as champions of marginalized communities and supporters of immigration, climate activism, and LGBTQ rights. Their support for these causes, however, tends to be rooted in a secular worldview that emphasizes universalism over religious tradition. While their motivations may be noble, their commitment to these progressive ideals sometimes leads to contradictions with their religious heritage.
On the other hand, right-wing Jews in America, often labeled as "Orthodox" or simply conservative Jews, take a different approach. They align themselves more closely with the Republican Party, holding traditional Jewish values as paramount. For conservative Jews, the preservation of the Jewish faith, a strong family unit, and the protection of religious liberty are central tenets. They often emphasize the importance of supporting Israel as the Jewish homeland and take a firm stance against policies that undermine the sanctity of life or threaten their ability to practice their faith without government interference. Unlike their leftist counterparts, conservative Jews see the progressive agenda as a direct threat to religious values and individual freedoms.
Moral Values and the Clash of Ideologies
This divergence in political affiliation has led to a profound difference in moral outlook. Leftist Jews generally advocate for a progressive re-interpretation of Jewish teachings, sometimes disregarding fundamental tenets of Judaism. They tend to support policies such as the expansion of abortion rights, an idea that is starkly at odds with the sanctity of life upheld by many practicing Jews. Moreover, the left’s tendency to align with anti-Israel sentiments in favor of social justice movements has caused tension within the Jewish community. It’s a position that undermines the very concept of a homeland for the Jewish people, which is enshrined in thousands of years of tradition.
Right-wing Jews, meanwhile, draw heavily from traditional Jewish teachings that emphasize the importance of the family, community, and honoring God’s commandments. Their morals align more closely with conservative Christian values, which is why there is such a strong relationship between conservative Jews and evangelical Christians in America today. Right-wing Jews see their faith as non-negotiable and believe that any policy or social movement that opposes their religious convictions must be resisted. The moral framework of right-wing Jews is based on a clear distinction between right and wrong, and they do not shy away from calling out the dangers they see in secular progressivism.
Why This Divide Matters
The divide between leftist and right-wing Jews in America is not just a matter of political affiliation; it speaks to deeper questions about the survival of Jewish values and identity. As a former Muslim who has embraced Christianity, I understand all too well the struggle between tradition and modernity, and the importance of holding on to the values that provide meaning and continuity to our lives. Right-wing Jews understand that a nation without moral grounding will eventually fall prey to chaos, and they recognize the critical role that faith plays in maintaining a stable society.
The left-leaning Jewish community, by contrast, appears to have embraced a secular form of progressivism that often contradicts core aspects of Jewish identity. By pushing for a progressive agenda that undermines the nuclear family, promotes abortion, and aligns with anti-Israel causes, they risk alienating themselves from their own heritage. This is a path that not only weakens Jewish identity but also undermines the broader moral fabric of America.
Conclusion
The political and moral divide between leftist Jews and right-wing Jews in America reveals much about the broader ideological battle for the heart of the nation. On one side, we have a group that prioritizes secularism and progressivism, often at the cost of religious values. On the other, we have a community committed to preserving their faith, supporting traditional values, and standing by the nation of Israel as a central aspect of their identity. As a Christian Conservative LDS Priest and someone who has experienced both worlds—secular and religious—I stand with those who believe that faith, tradition, and family are non-negotiable pillars of a thriving society.
The battle within the Jewish community is a microcosm of the greater struggle we face in America today—a struggle between those who want to preserve the values that made this country great and those who seek to dismantle them in the name of progress. It is a battle that will define the future of America, and it is one that we must win if we are to preserve our freedoms and our way of life.
Citations
Waxman, D. (2016). Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel. Princeton University Press.
Pew Research Center. (2021). Jewish Americans in 2020. https://www.pewforum.org/2021/05/11/jewish-americans-in-2020/
Himmelfarb, M. (2013). “Jewish Political Identity and the Clash of Ideals,” Jewish Political Studies Review, 25(1-2), 89-104.
Dershowitz, A. (2020). Defending Israel: The Story of My Relationship with My Most Challenging Client. All Points Books.
Sacks, J. (2002). The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations. Bloomsbury Publishing.
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