Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
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- Family and Society
- Honor Thy Parents
- Honoring Parents vs. Other Mitzvot
Question
I was in Eretz Yisrael for 3 years and now I am back in america in college. I would like to come back when I graduate at the end of this year to Eretz Yisrael and do Hesder in Yeshiva. The problem is I have a very good relationship with my parents and they would be very very worried if I did join the army. I do not know what to do so I wanted know if you could give me any of your advice.
Answer
Our sages direct not to comply when one's parents object to him doing a big Mitzva, and joining the Israeli army is no doubt a great and important Mitzva. Hence, though your parents will worry about you, as do most parents of soldiers, it's not a reason to give up on such a significant Mitzva. My advice is to come to Israel, join the army, and keep in contact with your parents and calm them so that they won't worry.
Rabbi Dov Lior






