As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, this week’s clergy discuss how faith can transcend political divisions and help us determine whether our favorite candidates win or lose.

Eric Larson

Teacher, Global Harmony House (Brahma Kumaris), Great Neck

Faith is based on belief or experience. Some have an idea in their head, others a feeling in their heart. Either can be a guide to our actions, which we hope and anticipate will bring eternal benefit. An idea for the Brahma Kumaris can be found in our photo of a tree. The tree is shown emerging from a seed – a seed. As the tree grows, branches emerge and smaller branches from each. Twigs and leaves complete the picture of a mature tree in bloom. The tree represents the connectivity of souls, religions and beliefs with each other and with the seed of the tree, God. A tree has different parts with different roles and purposes. The bark of a tree has no hatred or prejudice towards the leaves. Tree roots are not jealous of twigs. When individuals understand our spiritual and worldly connections, this understanding, this faith will elevate our own perspective towards others, allow the love, cooperation and mutual support of all humanity to emerge and help heal a nation divided. Healing begins based on what we think and the experiences we create through those thoughts. When we choose to see each other as part of the whole, with respect and inclusion, the tree will be healthy and flourish.

Former Millicent Little

Grace International Cathedral, Uniondale

Faith is unifying. God’s plan is for us all to live in harmony with one another.

Faith gives us the conviction that God reigns supreme over all men and over all circumstances. The stronger our faith, the more we will respect each other as God’s precious creation. As we navigate our personal walk with God, we look steadily toward the One who is able to unite us despite our gender, religious, racial, or political differences. People of strong faith believe that we are all connected to the Divine. Prayer unites and brings people together. Individuals with strong faith possess mental peace and greater social virtues that encourage us to see similarities rather than emphasizing our differences.

In October, we celebrated Clergy Appreciation Month, recognizing those who use their God-ordained platform to share God’s message of love, giving hope to all of God’s people. Romans 12:16-18 encourages us to live in harmony with one another. In this seemingly polarizing time in our nation, we must come together as a people of faith, calling on God to strengthen and bring together this divided nation. Let us be salt and light, bringing hope and healing to our communities.

Rabbi Touvia Teldon

Regional Director, Chabad Lubavitch of Long Island

I once read that the nature of countries is to overrationalize the past, overdramatize the present, and underestimate the future. If this also applies to citizens, then the United States is filled with serious divisions of opinion – about the past, present and future. But divisions thrive when we focus on the details. Faith thrives when we look at the big picture, when we look at all that we have in common. We are “one nation, under G-d, indivisible” with shared Western values ​​and family goals – as a whole. After the elections, we will have a choice. Should we focus on the details that divide us and continue to fall apart as a society, or will we rise higher in faith that, regardless of the election results, G-d has a plan for them? UNITED STATES ? We can make our greatest contribution to America by focusing on what unites us. I realize there are serious issues at stake here, but the future of our country depends on each of us making the right decision and acting on it. With faith in G-d and His bigger picture, we can overcome these divisions.