Reply To: Shmad in Israel?

Yankel- I guess I don’t have your pessimism that after 15-20 years of Talmud Torah, their emunah is so fragile that they will throw it all away when they encounter other people. And if you’re right, then maybe there is a serious problem with the education system as a whole. And while I agree that I propbably don’t meet your criteria of Talmid Chacham, Yarei Shamayim, and Pikeach… the assumption that no one who possesses those ma’alos thinks that Charedim should join the army is incorrect.

With regard to your [sal that you quote, I think it’s a big stretch to say that the ptur of a Talmid Chacham extends to the hamon am who choose to learn. It certainly wouldn’t apply to the Charedim who aren’t sitting in learning. It seems to be referring to the yechideo segula, to special individuals of a town… not to a majority of it. It’s also talking about paying tax seemingly during peacetime… not sure if that can be extended to serving in the army in the time of war when there is a tangible danger from the enemy facing all Jews.