President Obama and Mitt Romney at the Oct 16th debate.

There has been a lot of talk about which candidate in the upcoming presidential election is best for the Jewish community. Some have said, rightfully, that Israel isn’t the only issue American Jews should vote on – and even as a passionate Zionist I agree. As a lifelong New Yorker, I have many considerations when I go to vote for any candidate.

Let’s start with values – What kind of a world do I want to live in, and what should America’s future look like? A world of free enterprise or a world of handouts? A world where hard work is rewarded, or were success is frowned upon? (Obama mocked Romney during their second debate, saying that he doesn’t check his pension statement because it’s not as big as Romney’s – as if success is something to be ashamed of.) 

Another issue that concerns me is how families should live? Which candidate is more in touch with what it takes to build a decent, warm and caring home? If we want our children to have a Jewish education, shouldn’t we receive vouchers if we are opting out of the public school system?

Many in the Jewish community own businesses, as I own 5WPR, a PR firm – Would you hire someone who ran your business for 4 years and didn’t make it any better? Which candidate has presented business friendly policies and uses rhetoric that is friendlier to business? Do I want to make more money as my business grows, or pay more taxes?

Can the dangerous folks in the Middle East be treated as allies or must they be dealt with as threats? Do we want a President who encouraged the “Arab Spring” which has led to such turmoil in the Middle East – including the killing of an American Ambassador? Should the President of this great country bow to foreign leaders as Obama has?

America is headed down the wrong path and it’s quite apparent that change is needed. For American Jews, when considering the question of Israel the choice is easy, but it’s even easier when one considers the other important decision making factors.

Ronn Torossian is an entrepreneur and author – who votes based on “What is good for the Jews.”