What is the best way to prepare for enrolling in the #1 army in the Middle East and the most humane military in the world? A number of Yeshiva students in Israel can teach us all their secret.
In a unique blend of spiritual preparation and military readiness, a group of yeshiva students in Israel have found an inspiring way to prepare for their service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), widely regarded as the most formidable military in the Middle East and known for its commitment to ethical warfare. Their method? Intensive study of “The Israel Bible,” with the ambitious goal of completing the entire text during the Jewish year 5782.
Honoring Shmita Through Study
This initiative coincides with the Shmita (Sabbatical) year, a biblical commandment observed in Israel every seven years. During Shmita, the land is left fallow, and many Jews dedicate more time to Torah study. By choosing to study the entire Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) during this year, these future soldiers are demonstrating a deep commitment to both religious observance and national service.
The Shmita year holds profound significance in Jewish law and tradition. It’s a time of agricultural rest that promotes spiritual growth, emphasizing the connection between land stewardship and divine providence. By engaging in intensive Bible study during this period, these students are aligning their pre-military preparation with the spiritual goals of Shmita, creating a powerful synergy between ancient tradition and modern service.
The Israel Bible: A Zionist Perspective
The choice of “The Israel Bible,” edited by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, is particularly significant. This edition is designed to highlight connections between the biblical text and the modern State of Israel, reflecting a particular ideological stance that merges religious study with Zionist values.
Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, explains the importance of this approach: “I couldn’t think of a better way to both prepare for service in the IDF and to honor the Shmita year, than by studying Tanakh each day. It was by attending Rabbi Lichtman’s classes some 20 years ago that I began to appreciate how Israel is the number one theme throughout the entire Torah.”
This choice of text for the pre-military program illustrates the complex interplay between religious texts and national identity in Israel. It raises interesting questions about how biblical interpretation can shape perspectives on contemporary issues and national service.
A Rigorous Study Program
The program is based at the “Israel365 Lone Soldier Center” at Yeshivat Lev Hatorah in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Under the guidance of Rabbi Moshe Lichtman, a respected scholar and lecturer, the students follow a demanding schedule designed to cover all 929 chapters of the Tanakh within the year.
The study regimen is intense:
- Sunday through Thursday: Several chapters from the Prophets
- Fridays: Study of the weekly Torah portion
This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of the entire Hebrew Bible, providing a strong foundation for their spiritual and national identity as they prepare for military service.
The IDF and Religious Soldiers
The Israeli military has a complex relationship with religion, striving to accommodate soldiers from various backgrounds while maintaining its status as the army of a Jewish state. This pre-military Bible study program represents one facet of this relationship.
The IDF has a history of integrating religious soldiers, including special arrangements like the “hesder” program, which combines Torah study with military service. However, challenges remain in balancing religious observance with military duties.
This Bible study initiative can be seen as part of a broader trend of religious preparation for IDF service, reflecting the importance many religious soldiers place on maintaining their spiritual practice while serving their country.
Supporting Lone Soldiers
The involvement of the Israel365 Lone Soldier Center adds another layer of significance to this program. Lone Soldiers – those who serve in the IDF without immediate family in Israel – face unique challenges and often require additional support.
Earlier this year, Israel365 partnered with Lev Hatorah to sponsor the lone soldier center, providing a ‘home away from home’ for American young men who volunteered for service in the Israeli army. This Bible study program may offer these future Lone Soldiers not only spiritual preparation but also a sense of community and belonging before they enter military service.
Sharing the Learning
In an effort to extend the impact of this program beyond the immediate participants, Rabbi Lichtman’s “Tanakh Yomi” classes are being recorded and published daily on YouTube and as a podcast on Spotify. While the content is geared towards advanced Yeshiva students and includes many Hebrew words and phrases, it provides a valuable resource for others interested in this in-depth approach to Bible study.
Broader Implications
This program raises interesting questions about the role of religious study in military preparation and the broader relationship between faith and service in Israel. It reflects the complex interplay of spirituality, nationalism, and duty in contemporary Israeli society.
As these students transition from the yeshiva to the army, they carry with them not just military training, but a deep engagement with the text that many see as the foundation of their national identity. This unique approach to pre-military preparation may have lasting impacts on how these future soldiers perceive their role in the IDF and their connection to the land they will be defending.
This innovative program at the Israel365 Lone Soldier Center represents a distinctive approach to preparing young men for service in the IDF. Combining intensive religious study with preparation for military service offers a model of how spiritual and national duties can be harmoniously integrated, providing food for thought for both religious and secular observers of Israeli society.
To watch the advanced “Tanakh Yomi” series on Youtube:
To listen to the advanced “Tanakh Yomi” series as a Podcast:
