Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
- Army and War
- The Mitavah to Serve in the Army
Question
Is there a chiyuv to serve in the IDF. What if it’s too hard emotionally?
Answer
The obligation to serve in the IDF is based on the commandment to fight a war of self-defense cited in Hilchot Melachim (Ch.5). As with all other obligations that one finds difficult- and different people find different commandments difficult- one should work to overcome one's negative emotions.
