Questions...
So much has been written in the past ten days or so about the mass gatherings in Jerusalem and New York against the new Israeli draft law. Should full time Torah students be forced to join the army? Is their study more important? Does it accomplish the same purpose as the military by enlisting HaShem's protection of the Jewish State? I've read very strong and passionate arguments on both sides.
What about the rallies themselves? Are they a great kiddush HaShem (sanctification of G-d's name), or the opposite? Does it destroy the message of the importance of learning by pulling all of those students away from yeshiva for a day?
This article does not attempt to answer these questions. Most people on both sides already know the answers, and are 100% certain that their perspective is correct. The religious ones on either end will argue with certainty that G-d Himself agrees with them.
To me the questions are deep, difficult and significant. I am totally unqualified to attempt an answer, and certainly not a solution. From both a religious and a secular standpoint there is much to ponder.
Every advanced modern society has exemptions from military service. Conscientious objectors, women, ministry students, and many government officials, among others are often not required to enlist. Historically, in Israel, yeshiva students were included among those numbers. Families settled there and raised children with that understanding. It is no simple matter to change course on what, for many, is a foundation of their lifestyle.
But aren't there many people that take advantage of the system and enroll in yeshiva just for the exemption? Oh yes, there sure are! Are there people in America who take advantage of the welfare system and other government handouts? I've been told on good authority that such people do exist. But nobody is suggesting to stop government subsidies for the poor just because of those cheaters.
As far as the religious questions involved, if the great rabbis of the generation can't agree on an answer, who am I to shove my foot in the door? It will just get stepped on anyway.
I read a very emotional post by an old friend, Paula Stern, who made Aliyah with her family 20 or so years ago, and sent two sons through the army. How can I tell her to her face that my studying in yeshiva was more important than her flesh and blood putting their lives on the line for me? Or that my wife waiting for me to come home from kollel parallels a woman praying that her husband or son come home safely, alive?
With all these questions, only one thing seems clear to me. It pains me that I've only seen it mentioned by those that oppose the yeshiva exemption. Yes, there are valid arguments to support the exemption. Most reasonable people will agree to that, even if they feel that other factors override those positions. However, and I know I'm risking my reputation as an 'Ultra Orthodox Jew in Good Standing' card holding member with this, I strongly disagree with one point. Yes, you feel that you should not be in the Israeli military. You feel you are exempt from serving your country as your brothers do (and as my brother did). Fine, stay in yeshiva and kollel. I strongly support your right to make that decision. But tell me, why do you expect those brothers to financially support you? Why should they write the checks because YOU decided to follow this path? You deserve to be treated as every other citizen. Pay your fair share of taxes and receive the same benefits as all of your countrymen. Nothing more. Don't make unreasonable demands that only cause animosity. You may ask, "How will I survive?" Simple. The same way full time Torah students have survived throughout the centuries. Find a willing partner who WANTS to support you. Yissachar and Zevulun relationships work for both of you. Is there enough money to go around? Let's put it thus way. You believe (as I do) in the greatness of HaShem and his Torah. Believe also that He can take care of those who commit themselves to the difficult life of full time learning. And, oh, keep that life simple, but that's another article.
In closing, what is my opinion in this debate? I don't know, I'll leave it to people bigger than me. Am I going to the rally, or the counter rally? Probably not. I think I'll stay home. Maybe I'll even open my gemora.
