[Avodah] Charedim and the army

[Rich, Joel]

	 DB- 1) If it is true that of a given population only 2% or 5%
of it can reasonably expect to be granted that lofty status, it seems
ludicrous that an entire Shevet Levi (let us say, 8500 from the ages of
30-50 as per Parshas Naso) is granted exemption because 170-425 members
will actually qualify. RAL recognizes that this is a weak point and
states that their exemption is 'genealogical'. This fails to solve the
problem, though. Why is there a geneaological blanket exemption for an
entire Shevet when the reason for the exemption applies so scarcely?  
	=========================================================
	Me-Interesting that this type of supposition/argument in other
cases is dismissed by a simple, they were at that level, we're not.  In
any event the shevet based exemption could be simply understood as a
practical and role model approach ( do we really need as many kohanim as
the descendants of Aaron?)
	======================================================= 
	 
	 DB- 2) A yet stronger counter-argument to the genealogocial
argument is that according to the commentary of the Netziv to Parshas
VaYechi, the entire Shevet Yissachar availed themselves of this status
to exempt themselves from fighting  in the time of the Shoftim. Based on
what? Did every single one of them look himself in the mirror and say
that they are Kodesh Kodoshim?  
	==============================================
	Me- what does the netziv understand as to their activities in
non-wartime? Were they all absentee landlords? Does anyone else take
this approach?
	=============================================
	 
	 DB- 3) One who decided to truly dedicate the best years of his
life to Torah study and Mussar refinement, trying to grow in his Yiras
Shamayim with no concern for the Cheshbonos of Bnei Adam during that
time, is described by Hashem, through the words of the Rambam, as Kodesh
Kodoshim. The numbers of Yeshiva boys who are learning seriously should
not blind us to their inestimable value and stature in the eyes of the
Ribbono Shel Olam.  
	==================================
	Me-" with no concern for the Cheshbonos of Bnei Adam " When I
originally learned this Rambam I was taught this meant that they did not
do so because they got stipends or were even aware of them.
	====================================
	 
	 DB- 4) It doesn't take any hubris whatsoever to follow the
opinion of the vast majority, if not all, of Gedolei Torah in the
Charedi, as well as many of the Gedolim of the  RZ world (i.e. the
Roshei Yeshiva of Mercaz Harav, Beit El, and other Yeshivot Gevohot) who
support not going  to the army for many years after HS and whose
students serve in afar reduced capacity than their capabilities
vis-a-vis combat. RAL is certainly a minority opinion among Gedolei
HaRoshei Yeshivos. 
	 
	 ==========================================================
	Me-imho this is apples and oranges - would you group someone who
never married with someone who deferred pirya vrivya due to learning or
other extenuating circumstances?
	 
	KT
	Joel Rich 
	 

	 

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