[Avodah] Fwd: Rabbi Hershel Schachter - True Freedom

[Doron Beckerman]

It is worth noting that it is not at all clear that the wars of Israel
today have the status of a Milchemes Mitzvah. See Igros Moshe Choshen
Mishpat II:78.

Talmidei Chachamim were not conscripted for Milchamos Mitzvah, as is clear
from Shevet Levi not participating in Kibbush HaAretz or Milchemes Amalek,
which are defined as Milchamos Mitzvah. The Mishnah in Sotah means to
override the rule of HaOsek Bemitzvah Pattur Min Hamitzvah regarding going
out to war, with Chasan and Kallah being the classics, but Torah study does
not fall under that rubric in any event.

Torah study wins wars - see Makos 10a - Our feet stood firm in battle
because of the gates of Yerushalayim which were engaged in Torah study. And
Sanhedrin 92a - the yoke of Sancheriv was broken due to Chizkiyahu's oil.

Nonetheless, some Kohanim and Leviyim volunteered.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.aishdas.org/pipermail/avodah-aishdas.org/attachments/20120513/c45a28b6/attachment-0002.htm>