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<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> DB- </FONT></SPAN>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? <SPAN
class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>=========================================================</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>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?)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>=======================================================</FONT> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> DB- </FONT></SPAN>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? <SPAN
class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>==============================================</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>Me-</FONT> <FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff>what does the
netziv understand as to their activities in non-wartime? Were they all
absentee landlords? Does anyone else take this approach?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>=============================================</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> DB- </FONT></SPAN>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. <SPAN
class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>==================================</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff>Me-"</FONT> 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.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN
class=894103018-31072007>====================================</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> DB- </FONT></SPAN>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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff> ==========================================================</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff>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?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=894103018-31072007><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff>KT<BR>Joel
Rich</FONT> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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