Studying the Torah stands as a paramount value within the rich heritage of the Jewish people. Our continued existence as a community can be attributed to the steadfast observance of the Torah. Those who dedicate themselves to its study play a pivotal role in serving both the State of Israel and the global Jewish community.
Simultaneously, there’s a concerning trend where exclusive secular education in Israel often lacks Jewish content, leading to a significant void in our collective identity. Addressing this gap requires a substantial increase in the number of educators imparting Jewish culture and traditions. The adage “V’shinantam l’vanecha, v’dibarta bam” underscores that learning and teaching Torah are interwoven mitzvot. Indeed, teaching Torah becomes an optimal path to deepening one’s own understanding.
Recently, The Supreme Court ordered a halt to yeshiva funds for students eligible for the draft. This will have a major impact on Israeli society and Israeli government. Yeshiva students of draft age indeed serve a vital role in protecting Israeli society; their potential impact could extend even further. By filling the role of educators for the countless Israelis and foreigners without foundational Jewish education, they can bridge this gap. A potential program could involve morning Torah study followed by afternoon or evening civil service.
While the Supreme Court wants all yeshiva students to participate in military service, it’s worth considering an obligation by extending the definition of national service. The most apparent avenue here is channeling their learning years into educating the masses about Jewish traditions. Adequate training would be essential to effectively transmit this knowledge. Those disinclined to teach could lead a chesed revolution, engaging in charitable activities like visiting the sick, aiding the elderly and working in food kitchens.
Though every nation benefits from kindness, Israel’s unique circumstances call for additional chesed efforts, given the nation’s defense needs and the high cost of living. Returning to those engaged in full-time Torah study, a core group of students could be designated as future religious leaders, members of batei dinim (rabbinical courts) and mashgichim (spiritual advisors). These scholars would be granted an exemption from civil service to focus on Torah learning, ensuring they develop into the next generation of leaders with a robust Torah foundation. The selection process could involve current religious authorities using standardized Torah testing methodologies.
In safeguarding the core value of Torah learning within Israeli society, we can simultaneously extend the teachings of Jewish tradition to the broader global Jewish community. By providing both guidance and a livelihood to those dedicated to educating and serving Am Yisrael, we can fortify our collective identity.
Rabbi Paul Bloom lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Ettie. Paul is a retired IBM Research executive and is currently CEO of PDB Futurecom, helping Israeli startups connect with American partners and investors. He is also on the Board of Directors of the NY Israel Chamber of Commerce.
