Top Rabbi Tells Soldiers Their Study Is More Precious Than Yeshiva Learning
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Haredi decisor of Jewish law Rabbi Asher Weiss issued a rare statement to IDF soldiers, calling their wartime service a "mitzvah war" and holy work. He suggested that a soldier's brief Torah study after hardship is more precious to God than extended study in a yeshiva. Rabbi Weiss encouraged the soldiers, emphasizing their role in saving lives and protecting Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Haredi Rabbi Asher Weiss stated soldiers' wartime Torah study is more precious than yeshiva learning.
- Weiss called the current conflict a "mitzvah war" and soldiers' service "holy work."
- He suggested brief study by soldiers after hardship is highly valued by God.
- The rabbi cited Talmudic principles to explain the value of difficult Torah study.
- Weiss praised soldiers for saving lives and protecting the nation.
- He issued a rare public statement of encouragement to IDF troops.
Haredi decisor of Jewish law Rabbi Asher Weiss has issued a rare statement of encouragement to IDF soldiers, emphasizing the significance of their service during the current conflict, which he described as a "mitzvah war." He urged soldiers to view their military duty as a holy task, stating, "To all the dear and beloved soldiers serving in all security branches during this difficult time: may the Holy One, blessed be He, protect you, for you are engaged in holy work."
Rabbi Weiss, who typically avoids public commentary on such matters, acknowledged the efforts of many soldiers who strive to study Torah and pray even amidst exhausting service. He posited that a soldier who studies Torah for even a few minutes after a difficult day, risking their life, might be viewed more favorably by God than someone studying for an hour in the comfort of a study hall. "We are in the midst of a mitzvah war, and everyone must serve with a sense of holiness, that they are serving the people of Israel," he said.
He explained this by referencing the Talmudic principle, "One who increases and one who decreases, as long as he directs his heart to heaven." The rabbi elaborated that Torah study undertaken with difficulty and hardship is particularly precious to God. Rabbi Weiss also drew upon the saying, "Whoever saves one life in Israel is as if they saved an entire world," to praise the soldiers' role in defending the nation, concluding, "You are sustaining worlds, complete all your missions, and may the Holy One, blessed be He, protect you."