A crucial election is coming up on Nov. 7. At stake are vital political, economic and moral issues of concern to all Americans, in addition to issues of special concern to American Jews.

In the upcoming Congress, there will be important debates about the way our government acts on our behalf. Legislation concerning national security, foreign aid, immigration, civil liberties, the environment, the separation of church and state, and civil rights will be considered in the next two years. The men and women we elect will be making decisions on these and other issues on our behalf and Senators will have the particular responsibility of assessing whether individuals nominated by the President deserve lifetime appointments to the federal courts.

American Jews have traditionally voted in significantly higher proportions than the general public, both in presidential and off-year elections. This has contributed to a strengthening of Jewish identity within the context of the American polity and citizenship. It is also assured continuity of the special relationship between the United States and Israel, upheld by every president since Harry Truman. Now is your chance to carry on that tradition of civic engagement.