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Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- A Nation and its Halachot
- Army and War
Translated by Hillel Fendel
[Ed. note] This question was asked some 16 years ago, but the message of its response is unfortunately still relevant.
Question: Following the Expulsion from Gush Katif, there has been talk of late of a possible need to reconquer this area, from which terrorists continually fire rockets at Israel. Must I, as a soldier, agree to this? Just because the Prime Minister made a ridiculous decision to leave, saying that we will return if we have to, does this justify forcing us simple soldiers to be the ones to carry out this dangerous and nonsensical policy? Is the value of "unity" within Israel important enough that I have to endanger my life for it? And why need we enter Gaza altogether; why can't we just bomb them from the air, and not have to endanger ourselves?
Answer: These are very weighty questions. You are right that the withdrawal from Gaza was essentially a gift to the terrorists, enabling them to fire at us easily. You are also right that in times of war, there is no such thing as "innocent bystanders" among the enemy. Jewish Law states that if terrorists are in a building, the structure must be bombed, without consideration of who else in the building might be killed.
On the other hand, if our government decides to execute a mission in order to reduce terrorism, this is a very important thing, and one must not refuse an order to take part in it. It is inconceivable that every soldier will decide for himself what missions he is willing to participate in and which ones not. The only orders we can and must refuse are those that negate a Torah commandment. Otherwise, we must carry out all orders.
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[Ed. note] This question was asked some 16 years ago, but the message of its response is unfortunately still relevant.
Question: Following the Expulsion from Gush Katif, there has been talk of late of a possible need to reconquer this area, from which terrorists continually fire rockets at Israel. Must I, as a soldier, agree to this? Just because the Prime Minister made a ridiculous decision to leave, saying that we will return if we have to, does this justify forcing us simple soldiers to be the ones to carry out this dangerous and nonsensical policy? Is the value of "unity" within Israel important enough that I have to endanger my life for it? And why need we enter Gaza altogether; why can't we just bomb them from the air, and not have to endanger ourselves?
Answer: These are very weighty questions. You are right that the withdrawal from Gaza was essentially a gift to the terrorists, enabling them to fire at us easily. You are also right that in times of war, there is no such thing as "innocent bystanders" among the enemy. Jewish Law states that if terrorists are in a building, the structure must be bombed, without consideration of who else in the building might be killed.
On the other hand, if our government decides to execute a mission in order to reduce terrorism, this is a very important thing, and one must not refuse an order to take part in it. It is inconceivable that every soldier will decide for himself what missions he is willing to participate in and which ones not. The only orders we can and must refuse are those that negate a Torah commandment. Otherwise, we must carry out all orders.
In order to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox every week, subscribe to the Israel National Torah newsletter here.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
