Amid Draft Pressure, Chabad Beis Din Issues Guidance

In light of the increased pressure facing yeshivah bochurim in Eretz Yisroel, and ahead of Tishrei, when thousands of bochurim are expected to travel to the Rebbe, the Rabbonim of the Chabad Beis Din in Eretz Yisroel have issued a letter outlining their position and guidance.

The Rabbonim stress that, according to the Rebbe’s directives, the role of bochurim until marriage and newly married men is to devote themselves to learning Torah.

“The Torah study of yeshivah bochurim is not merely a zechus, but an actual obligation placed upon them for the purpose of protecting the Jewish people,” they write.

They emphasize that learning Torah is itself part of the defense of Eretz Yisroel, quoting Chazal: “If not for Dovid, Yoav could not have gone out to war; and if not for Yoav, Dovid could not have devoted himself to Torah.”

The letter calls on bochurim receiving draft orders to strengthen their learning of Nigleh and Chassidus and not to be intimidated by outside pressures.

Regarding military service, the Beis Din writes that participation in the army or security forces belongs after marriage and after the period of learning in yeshivah and kollel, and should be undertaken in a framework appropriate for a Lubavitcher and a yirei Shomayim.

The Rabbonim also address the upcoming Tishrei travel. Bochurim of the 5787 Kvutza traveling to New York, as well as the 5786 bochurim currently in New York who are preparing to return to Eretz Yisroel, are advised to consult with their yeshivah, mashpiim, and Anash askanim regarding their travel plans.

The letter concludes by cautioning bochurim that if traveling for Tishrei could jeopardize the continuation of their learning in yeshivah, they should refrain from traveling for the time being.