[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
A number of letters and documents have surfaced showing Gedolim backed efforts to launch Nachal Chareidi for those who have fallen from the rank and file of yeshivos. A letter bearing the signatures of HaGaon HaRav Zloznik, HaGaon HaRav Wolbe, HaGaon HaRav Scheinberg ZT”L along with HaGaon HaRav Karelitz Shlita and HaGaon HaRav Edelstein Shlita has surfaced. It is emphasized that this was a plan for those who were no longer learning and in no way as a general change in policy vis-à-vis bnei torah.
The rabbonim gave their bracha for the “Hatzalah plan” for talmidim who fell from the ranks of yeshivos and no longer declare Torah study as their profession and the plan provides a framework in a structured environment to save them.
In addition, it is reported that HaGaon HaRav Elyashiv and HaGaon HaRav Shteinman refrained from publically supporting the effort for as long as the program was exclusively for those who left yeshivos. Rav Shteinman even responds in a letter sent by HaGaon HaRav Don Segal.
When the plan was advertised as a standard and not just for talmidim who left yeshiva, the rabbonim opposed as advertised in Yated Neeman in Iyar 5759, a letter signed by Rav Kupshitz, Rav Adas, Rav Efrati [for Rav Elyashiv] and Rav Mishkovsky [on behalf of Rav Shteinman].
As they stated, the plan was originally backed when it was understood to be for those out of yeshiva and no, realizing it was a new standard that veers from the path set forth by gedolei yisrael and this cannot be acceptable.
It is also clarified the letter signed in Iyar 5758 following a High Court case to end the draft deferment given to bnei yeshivos which also appeared in Yated in the name of Rav Shach stated it is absolutely forbidden to serve in the IDF and one must be moser nefesh to avoid doing so. At the time it was referred to as “the awful gezeira” which must be avoided at any price.
It is added that gedolim affiliated with the Eida Chareidis supported the founders but publically, their letter expressed opposition.
It is also pointed out that in the 1960s and 1970s a Nachal Chareidi Battalion operated by Rabbi Shlomo Lorenz of Tzieri Agudas Yisrael and documents revealed of late teach that Rav Shach was involved in directing this.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
Let’s allow the Gedolim to speak for themselves and try not to be the kalba that bit the cat (chad gadya) i.e. Du hoont vos mishtu arayn?
In short, the rabbonim that initially supported it, only supported it so long as it was exclusively for yeshiva dropouts.
Once it was realized that it was being sold as a bill of goods as a standard for even those that chose to remain in yeshiva, the rabbonim realized they were gravely misled and immediately announced its danger and had no effective support.
This article seems to have nothing to do with any of the Michtav Bracha letters. Is this a propaganda article for Nachal HaChareidi?
Which letter has the word “gius /military” or “Nachal HaChareidi” in it that the Rabbanim support or give a bracha for?
It just says that the Chashuva Rav (whose name is blackened out) is on a mission to return the bachurim to the yeshivos. But there’s no mention at all that it endorses Nachal HaChareidi or any military unit.
Name is erased Rabbi Rabbi Yitzhak Bar Haim founder of the Nahal Haredi. I have the original letter. The concept of “no torato umanuto’ statement is counter to the concept of “torato umanuto” which is grounds for for exemption from the army yeshiva in the Holy Land.
Translated via Google
שם הרב המחוק הוא הרב יצחק בר חיים מייסד הנח”ל החרדי. יש לי את המכתב המקורי. המושג “אין תורתו אומנותו” הוא אמירה נגדית למושג “תורתו אומנותו” שהוא העילה לפטור מהצבא לבני ישיבות בארץ הקודש.