Jewish musings, Wednesday , June 26

[gazelle18]

Hi everyone….
be back soon with today’s topic 

[gazelle18]

I seem to be in a political state of mind, these days. I apologize if it is in any way upsetting. But it is just so much on my mind, and I appreciate everyone’s contributions thus far this week.

Well, Bowman lost to Latimer, and I am choosing to think that this is a good thing. I may have been a Bowman supporter at a time in the past, but not now. So I’m glad. On the other hand, Lauren Boebert (who I personally believe is incompetent to sit in Congress) won her primary. Oh well….

The news yesterday that was intriguing came from Israel, where the Supreme Court ruled that ultra orthodox males would no longer be exempt from IDF service. This has long been a divisive issue in Israel, and I for one believe that the Court got this decision right. Comments?

[lee058]

Good morning everybody. Hope you are all well and SAFE! Please pray for Israel.

Re today's topics: gazelle18, I don't mind some political comments. As for Israel and the draft, how many men are we talking about?

Have a peaceful day, Lee

[hollygail]

I remember very very shortly after October 7 (like maybe October 8?), there was a call for people to volunteer to join the IDF. One very large contingent of chasidic / hareidi men, exempt because of their "religious" exemption status, showed up to volunteer. I found that singularly impressive.

I have no problem with the removal of "automatic" exemption for the "religious."

I'm more concerned at this moment with the news regarding the US Selective Service discussions regarding whether women can serve in combat. My concern is whether the Selective Service plans to reinstate the draft in the United States...

[peachymom1]

I don't mind political discussions here. We are all respectful toward each other, which I find refreshing. Thank you all for that.

Like Holly, I too was impressed with the initial response from the ultra-Orthodox men who stepped up to volunteer, even though they were exempt. I have the greatest respect for Torah study, but I think it's time they lost the exemption, even if just temporarily. Maybe it's easy for me to say, as a non-Israeli, but I would go so far as to say that since lives are at stake, not only are the Torah scholars allowed and encouraged to defend Israel, they are required to do so.

[louise]

I also was pleased when some Haredi volunteered and think it was correct for the court to remove their exemption. The effect of Netanyahu's fragile government will be catastrophic but that's okay too as far as I'm concerned.