The Other Tzahal

A story I heard from a reliable source.

There was once a busload of both Yeshiva students and Israeli soldiers traveling together. The Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Netzach Yisrael, HaGaon Rav Yisrael Zev Gustman [author of Kuntresei Shiurim which is ridiculously awesome] , was in the front of the bus, heavily involved in a Tosphos in Yevamos. He heard that behind him a loud, acrimonious argument had broken out [apparently about the obligation of Yeshiva students to serve in the army].

He stood up and described in great detail how an army works. There are foot soldiers, commanders, officers, intelligence, weapons etc. etc.

"The Jewish people have an army also. Do you know what the weapons are? The Rashba, Rambam and Avnei Miluim. The soldiers are the Yeshiva students. And do you know who the Chief Of Staff is?"

It was about the only time the Rosh Yeshiva ever spoke about himself in this way...

"The Chief Of Staff .... is an old, holocaust survivor from Rechavia named Yisrael Zev Gustman."

An eyewitness related that the then Defense Minister Yitzchak Rabin who was on the bus, was so moved that he stood up and saluted the "Chief Of Staff".

Sweetest friends, last week we read that Yaakov tells Yosef that he captured Shechem "Bicharbi Ubi'kashti" with my sword and bow. Rashi doesn't leave any room for doubt - these weapons are none other than prayer.

Hakol kol Yaakov vihayadaim yidei Esav: Our power is in Torah and Tefillah. If we have those weapons we have a chance against our enemies, otherwise we are chas vi'shalom finished.

Of course we need an army but we have seen so many times when the army was defenseless. Examples: The Gulf War [I was here for the end]. Everybody huddling in sealed rooms with gas masks hoping they don't get hit. Sderot. Running for cover and hoping for the best as missles mercilessly fell and wreaked havoc. Bus bombings - we helplessly watched as bus after bus was blown up.

Am I saying we should have no gratitude towards Tzahal - Yes! If you want to misquote me. Of course we should have TREMENDOUS gratitude for those who put there life on the line to protect the Holy Nation in the Holy Land. If you see a Chayal - kiss him [if you are a guy...]! But we must not forget that our true power resides in the spirit. That is what makes us different from other nations.

We don't SEE how the Torah we learn protects us but we also don't see Hashem and he certainly exists and he assures us in Parshas Bechukosai that our true arsenal is LEARNING.

One more point: I spent 13 years in a Hesder Yeshiva and that is partially what created my ambivalent feelings towards the army. On one hand -big mitzva. On the other - a decline in observance amonst many of our finest, including many who completely "threw their yarmulkes". This post was actually inspired by someone with whom I am somewhat close, who grew up in a very religious home and recently abandoned observance in the army. Is this mitzva worth losing his olam haba?? Is it worth the risk with anybody who is not super duper religiously solid [i.e. many years of Yeshiva]?

Reach your own conclusions. I long ago reached my own.