Objection to Promotion in Military Rabbinate Over Lack of Field Experience
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Senior military rabbis have expressed strong opposition to the proposed promotion of Lt. Col. Rabbi Udi Schwartz to colonel within the Military Rabbinate. The objection stems from Schwartz's lack of field experience, with opponents arguing that operational and command experience are crucial for senior roles. A letter to the Defense Minister highlights concerns that such a promotion could undermine the Rabbinate's professional standing and the trust of soldiers. The rabbis are requesting a review of the appointment process and criteria, emphasizing the importance of field experience for leadership.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Senior military rabbis oppose promoting Rabbi Udi Schwartz to colonel due to his lack of field experience.
- Opponents argue command and operational experience are vital for senior roles in the Military Rabbinate.
- A letter to the Defense Minister expresses concern over the appointment criteria and its impact on the Rabbinate.
- Schwartz, currently Rabbi of the Air Force, has not served in battalion, brigade, or division rabbinate roles.
- The rabbis are requesting a review of the promotion process and the weight given to field service.
There is significant opposition within the Military Rabbinate to the proposed promotion of Lieutenant Colonel Rabbi Udi Schwartz to the rank of colonel. According to a report in "Olam Katan," the Chief Military Rabbi, Major General Rabbi Eyal Karim, intends to promote Schwartz to a senior position, such as head of a department or chief of staff within the Rabbinate.
Sources within the Military Rabbinate are reportedly opposing this move, arguing that Schwartz has not served in field rabbinate roles. The report states that Schwartz, who previously headed the Halakha (Jewish Law) branch and was recently appointed Rabbi of the Air Force, has not served as a battalion, brigade, or division rabbi. Opponents contend that command and operational experience are essential for senior positions in the Military Rabbinate, and that the service of rabbis and officers who accompanied forces in the field and during wartime should be given significant weight.
A letter, obtained by News 04, was sent to the Minister of Defense by senior military rabbis expressing deep concern for the future and standing of the Military Rabbinate. They argue that the Rabbinate is not merely a halakhic and staff body but a military operational system that must function in routine and emergency, on the battlefield and in sensitive military contexts. A senior military rabbi, they assert, needs not only religious knowledge but also command experience, direct familiarity with combat units, and an understanding of the operational challenges faced by commanders and soldiers.
The rabbis emphasized that officers and rabbis who have dedicated years to field service, accompanied units in wars and operations, held command responsibility, and dealt with complex situations, sometimes at the risk of their lives, should have their experience significantly considered. They believe that promoting someone to a senior role without adequate assessment of operational and command experience could damage the trust of those serving in the Rabbinate, organizational fairness, and the standing of the Military Rabbinate as a professional military body.
The signatories requested the Minister of Defense's intervention to review the appointment process, the established professional criteria, and the weight given to field rabbinate experience. They stressed that this is not a personal struggle against any candidate but a genuine concern for the Military Rabbinate and its future leaders, especially during a time when its importance on the battlefield is evident.
