It’s a week before midterm elections. Our participation, as Jews, in our country’s democratic process is essential for the well-being of our own community and the nation. Help make Wise a 100% voting congregation. Don’t forget to vote!
Proposition 30 supports increasing the tax on income above $2 million by 1.75% and dedicating that income to zero-emission vehicle subsidies; zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging stations; and wildfire suppression and prevention programs.
There are two issues here. The first is the climate emergency and how California responds to our rapidly changing climate. There is no question that humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels and other greenhouse gasses is causing the climate to change dramatically. Unless action is taken for both mitigation of climate change-induced risks and the reduction of gas emissions, we do face a dire future.
The second is the prudence of subjecting the wealthiest in our state to higher income taxes. It is hard to know how many Californians would be affected by this initiative and what the outcome of its passage would be on their decisions to remain in California. Some suggest it would push them away, others suggest that there is no evidence to support a mass exodus of millionaires despite popular anecdotes.
There is no question that the Jewish view on taxation is—you guessed it—complicated. In Jewish history, there is much antipathy towards the tax collectors.The Jewish revolts against Antiochus Epiphanes (the origin of Hanukkah), as well as that against Rome that led to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. were each partially motivated by perceived excessive taxation. However, it is a long-established principle that Jewish communities must collect tzedakah from all their members and that the wealthy are required to give more than the poor. Should an individual fail to contribute their fair share, various means of coercion are permitted.
While we often see the giving of tzedakah as voluntary, when members of a community are compelled to “donate” (as appears to have been the case in the past) it can be seen as a form of taxation. The Torah even commands that a tithe (10%) be given to support the Temple treasury in addition to donations to the poor. You can go deeper into the question here. Of course, the question as to whether taxes are equivalent to the giving of tzedakah is hotly debated in Jewish circles today.
Here again, the question of one’s personal values ultimately depends on which principle takes precedence. Do environmental concerns weigh more heavily than potential economic impact? Or, would the consequences of increased taxes on California’s wealthiest result in greater injury to our state’s economy?
Over the last week, I have hopefully given you the tools to consider these and other ballot questions from the perspective of our tradition. It is now up to you to your own conclusions.
Remember: Vote in-person on Nov. 8 (you can find your local polling place HERE) or vote by mail, as long as your ballot is postmarked by Nov. 8.
—Rabbi Ron Stern