In a letter sent to members of the military rabbinate, IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Eyal Karim calls to dwell on and clarify various issues from the halakhic aspect that arise in the framework of military service, especially in the framework of the joint service between male and female soldiers.

Rabbi Karim refers to the media storm in the wake of the public discourse about the Joint Service Ordinance, which has succeeded in arousing great opposition among the rabbis of the Religious Zionist stream, who have also expressed harshness against the initiative.

“In recent times, important rabbonim have been dealing with the issue of maintaining a holy camp (והיה מחניך קדוש)”. Even before the commandment on the sanctity of the camp in the context of tznius, those who go to war are commanded to observe in a special manner respectful and dignified speech”. The Chief Rabbi writes in his letter.

“Unfortunately, there are those who wish to strengthen the holiness of the camp, but they do so by means of loshon hora or by ‘motzei shem ra’, and in my opinion, their reward is lost.”

In his letter, the rabbi also addresses the dilemma faced by many soldiers regarding the role of women in the army. Here, too, the halachic ruling states that “there is a type of chiddush in it”.

“In this matter, our position is clear and not new: A soldier who takes part in such a ceremony is not obligated to leave him and it is sufficient to distract himself and not to leave if he distracts himself and does not intend to enjoy singing.”

“I am well-aware that there are those who disagree with this, but this is our halakhic position, and this is how the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the Chief Rabbis of the IDF have acted from time immemorial, and in my opinion, one who acts in this fashion has upon whom to rely”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)