How the OU’s Orthodox Union Political Maneuvering Threatens to Divide the Jewish Community

The Orthodox Union (OU) symbol, a ubiquitous mark denoting kosher products consumed by observant Jews worldwide, is facing a crisis of faith.

As a lifelong Democrat and kosher food buyer, I can no longer look at that symbol without feeling a sense of unease and disappointment. This stems directly from the OU’s recent political maneuvers, particularly their aggressive voter mobilization efforts in Pennsylvania. While the organization claims these activities are nonpartisan, their actions suggest a clear tilt towards a conservative agenda, leaving many Jews like myself questioning the neutrality of the OU symbol itself.

The OU, through its Teach Coalition branch, has embarked on a mission to mobilize Jewish voters, particularly in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania. They argue that this effort, dubbed “Pennsylvania Unites,” aims to combat antisemitism and emphasize the importance of the Jewish vote. However, a closer look reveals a more calculated strategy that appears designed to benefit Republican conservative candidates.

Firstly,  choosing Pennsylvania, a state known for its pivotal role in presidential elections, as the central hub for their voter mobilization efforts further amplifies suspicions about their true intentions.

Furthermore, while the OU insists on the nonpartisan nature of their initiatives, their messaging often centers around issues that resonate more strongly with conservative Jewish voters. The emphasis on combating antisemitism emanating from pro-Palestinian activism, while a genuine concern, plays into the hands of those seeking to paint the Democratic party as insufficiently supportive of Israel.

The OU’s actions send a clear message: they are choosing a side. By aligning themselves with a particular political ideology, they are jeopardizing their role as a unifying force within the Jewish community. The OU symbol, once a beacon of shared religious observance, now risks becoming a symbol of division, alienating a significant portion of the Jewish population that does not subscribe to their political views.

The claim that the OU’s political activities are nonpartisan simply doesn’t hold water when their actions consistently tilt the scales in favor of one side. As a Democrat, I feel increasingly alienated by an organization that claims to represent all things Kosher.

How can I, in good conscience, continue to view the OU symbol as a neutral mark of kosher certification when the organization behind it seems intent on using its influence to promote a particular political agenda?

The OU needs to understand that their foray into politics has consequences.

They cannot expect to engage in partisan activities while maintaining the trust and respect of the entire Jewish community.

The potential damage to the OU’s reputation, and to the sanctity of the kosher symbol itself, is significant.

The OU must choose: are they an organization dedicated to serving the needs of all observant Jews, or are they a political action group masquerading as a religious institution?

Their answer will determine the future of the OU symbol and its place within the Jewish community.