By Rabbi Howard Wolk
Parashat Ki Tetze
The Torah describes in detail the responsibility of Jewish soldiers and an Israelite army — even in times of war. It tells us to “guard ourselves from all bad things” (Deuteronomy 23:10). Among the obligations: Keep the camp clean and properly dispose of waste. These obligations may seem too detailed and technical, considering the pressures faced by soldiers on a daily basis. If soldiers just remain moral — isn’t that enough?
The Ibn Ezra offers insight into the Torah’s emphasis. Since the Aron (Holy Ark) went out with the army camp, the soldiers had to be careful. Their responsibility was similar to that of the Kohanim (Priests) and Leviim (Levites) who were always near the holy vessels. Why was the Ark with the army? Was it an element in conducting war or winning a war?
The Ark served a spiritual purpose, not a military one, in the strictest sense of the term. Soldiers fight the war, but it is Hashem who ultimately grants victory. So, the Aron could stay back. However, its presence ensured that the soldiers would realize the spiritual component to their battles — and their obligation to conduct themselves in an ethical and moral fashion. It also reminded them that with G-d’s help, they would be victorious.
During these past 11 months we have seen scores of videos and photos showing soldiers making a minyan in areas of Gaza, listening to the Megillah, celebrating the Passover Seder.
Our members of the Israel Defense Forces exemplify these Torah-based standards. Even under most trying of circumstances, the IDF tries to protect civilian life. Analyses by the U.S. State Department and the British Foreign Ministry state that the IDF has done more than any other army would have done in similar circumstances.
There are special obligations for the soldier, yet we are all part of Tzivot Hashem (the Army of Hashem) and must always conduct ourselves in a moral fashion.
Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov.
Rabbi Howard Wolk is community chaplain with Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and a past president of the Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas.