• DR

  Anonymous -19 days ago

  Thank you for sharing your perspective on the sacrifices of IDF soldiers. I'd like to offer my viewpoint, which considers their motivations and the broader context of their service.

  The  key question is whether the primary motivation for these IDF soldiers is to protect me, or if their commitment is deeply rooted from childhood, where serving in the IDF and defending their homeland is intertwined with their identity, pride, and sense of duty.

  I appreciate all your points, and I've carefully considered them. However, I don't quite see it quite the way you do. From your perspective, it might seem like my friend and I are studying in the beis medrash when suddenly we're confronted by a terrorist and my friend nobly offers to fight while I continue learning, willing to sacrifice himself for me.

  For me, these IDF soldiers enter the army much like I enter the kolel after my wedding – it's a path they've always known they would take. They hover towards this direction almost like a robot machine as this has been engrained in their identity childhood and upbringing. Their intentions, if anything, seem more geared towards protecting the land of Israel, safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and security rather than solely saving lives or ensuring Jews can continue studying Torah. Let's face it, there's a bitter irony in suggesting that their intentions include enabling us to freely serve our God, given the historical context of Zionism's establishment, which has often been seen as detrimental to our spiritual life and connection to God, striving for Jews to diverge from Judaism and abandon their faith.

  While I deeply appreciate the unintended benefits of their service, such as protecting lives and enabling our studies to continue, it may not be entirely accurate to frame their sacrifices solely around our personal safety or educational endeavors.

  So, let's clarify: we can agree their intentions aren't solely focused on helping us, yet unintentionally they do safeguard our lives and allow us to continue our studies.

  Regarding expressions of gratitude, such as hugs and embraces, I'm hesitant. Instead, I believe we can support them through prayers for their success and safety, entrusting the outcomes of their missions to a higher power.

  In conclusion, while recognizing and respecting the sacrifices of IDF soldiers and the indirect benefits to our community, it's essential to maintain a balanced understanding of their motivations and the broader geopolitical context in which they operate.

  The crux of my argument here is that I don't believe it's as simple as your portrayal of my dear comrade telling me to continue learning while he sacrifices my life for me. It's more nuanced than that.

  I look forward to discussing this further with you and hearing your insights.

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• API

  A proud Israeli -6 months ago

  Holy of the holyness

  While we all need to approve in many ways, how would the country be safe without all the Torah being learnt daily under huge Mesiras Nefesh in the hundreds of Yeshivas and Kollelim in Israel?? Why do these people not get the title, holy of the holiness?? They only deserve criticism because they are not perfect? While we surely owe huge gratitude to all the soldiers, which are real Hero's, are they so much more perfect to deserve the title holy of the holiness?? 

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  • CS

    Chaim S -6 months ago

    Because being ready to give up your life to protect your fellow Jew and the land of Israel is the ultimate MITZVAH, and there is nothing holier than that.

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  • Anonymous -4 months ago

    Thank you!

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• CB

  Chaim Bochner -6 months ago

  All removed? I guess emotions running high!

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  • D

    David -6 months ago

    Rabbi YY - I dont know if you read this but I am consumed by the following conundrum - if our soldiers are the holy of holies, why do I not send my son to the army? Do I not want him too to be the holy of holies? how exactly do we make this seemingly impossible split?

    I'd be forever grateful for a satisfying answer

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Interview on "Headlines"

Rabbi YY Jacobson

• December 30, 2023
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• 18 Tevet 5784
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• 837 views

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