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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.
In order to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox every week, subscribe to the Israel National Torah newsletter here.
[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.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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)
