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Posted on 01/30/2005 12:08:37 PM PST by Alouette
Even though most yeshiva students in the Chareidi ("ultra-Orthodox") sector opt for army deferments, Chareidi Zionists admire the students of the Hesder yeshivas, who divide their service in the IDF with their Torah learning.
One of my high-school chavrutot (study partners) went to a Hesder yeshiva and became an officer in the IDF. He wrote his classmates in yeshiva in the USA that he and the young men under his command were involved in some of the most dangerous pursuits of terrorists. He also wrote that, when possible, he taught Talmud to the soldiers in his command.
The Chareidim focus many tefillot (prayers) on the welfare of all the soldiers of the IDF, especially the idealist Hesder students. When Noam Apter (H.y.d.) gave his life to save members of his yeshiva who were attacked during the Friday night meal, he was mourned, as well as admired as a true hero. When we read of a Hesder student who was jailed because he refused an order that compromised his religious scruples, we gained an even greater appreciation for the principles of our worthy Torah friends.
On our last trip to Eretz Yisroel we visited the Mount Herzl military cemetery to say psalms for the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. We saw a new tombstone, which told of a soldier who "loved Torah learning." I felt a special bond with that unknown young man and shed many tears at his grave. I thought, "This young man's sacrifice obligates the yeshiva students in Eretz Yisroel and the exile to redouble their efforts, so that the merits of their Torah learning will protect the IDF from losing more precious souls."
In the Song of Devora, the prophetess strongly chastises all who did not come to fight the war against Sisera. However, she points out, "My heart goes out to the law-givers of Israel...." Devora praises the law-givers of Israel along with the men who responded to the call to fight against Sisera. Just as the soldiers defend Israel, so, too, the Torah learners protect her from the designs of her evil neighbors.
Those who follow the ideology that yeshiva students should receive army deferments, should look to the soldiers of the IDF as "army buddies". They must realize that their Torah learning is their contribution towards the success of the army, and they must pray with devotion for the welfare of every soldier.
My rebbi (Torah teacher) told of a Chareidi rabbi who went to comfort the family of a fallen soldier. The rabbi was crying uncontrollably and did not enter the home of the soldier, fearing his display of emotion would make the mourners feel even worse. Someone told the mother of the soldier that the rabbi was outside, and she came to the door to help him calm down.
My rebbi said, "How different things would be if all Chareidim were like that rabbi!"
It is a "tall order" to emulate that rabbi, but as Jews, we must strive to meet the highest ideals.
I am very concerned about the plan to disband the Hesder units in the army and to disperse the Hesder students throughout the regiments. Army training makes it very difficult for a soldier to maintain his individuality. This plan will make it much more difficult for the yeshiva students to maintain their dedication to Torah and their observance of the mitzvot (commandments).
It is my hope that all Jews view one another as family, and keep Torah disagreements within the realm of machloket l'shaim shamayim (a disagreement for the sake of Heaven).
May we increase the peace between one another and merit G-d's peace on Israel. May we merit the prophecy of Isaiah, that "...nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any more."
My son has completed his Nahal Haredi service and he plans to re-enlist for another tour.
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No able-bodied man in Israel should get an IDF deferment for any reason whatsoever.
What are conditions like for Chareidi soldiers serving in regular units? Are any accomodations made for them with regard to Shabat, prayers, kosher food, etc?
Thanks for the information it helps to avoid some local stereotypes.
I do not understand how there are leftist in Israel. I thought military service would knock some sense into those types.
I'm ignorant about this, although I've known that many religious Jews get deferments.
I should think that special units for observant Jews would make sense, because it would allow them to defend their country while not having to worry about officers giving them orders that might violate their beliefs and obligations.
please add me to your Ping list. Thank you.
Ping!
I totally agree.
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