The debate
Since the founding of the State, most yeshiva students have been exempt from IDF service. That arrangement is now one of the most divisive questions in Israel.
- 1948Ben-Gurion defers service for about 400 yeshiva students under the principle of Torato umanuto: Torah is his occupation.
- 1948–2000sThe arrangement continues and grows, from hundreds to tens of thousands of deferred students.
- 2012The High Court strikes down the Tal Law, which had written the exemptions into law.
- 2023October 7th and the war that follows put the IDF’s manpower shortage and the burden on reservists at the center of public life.
- 2024The High Court rules unanimously that there is no legal basis for a blanket exemption, and the IDF begins issuing draft orders to yeshiva students.
Much of the argument is carried on through slogans: “Torah protects and saves,” “we learn so you can fight.” This book sets the slogans aside and asks what the Torah and Chazal actually say.
About the book
The question of “Torah or Army?” has divided our generation. This book challenges the premise of the question itself.
Drawing on the Torah, Nevi’im, Gemara, Midrash, Rishonim, Acharonim, and leading poskim, it shows that army service need not negate Torah study, and that according to the Torah itself, Torah and army can and must go hand in hand.
Across seven sections, the author examines the most pressing questions:
- Does the principle of “Torah protects and saves” exempt one from the obligation of hishtadlus?
- Who is halachically obligated to fight?
- Is the concept of Milchemes Mitzvah applicable nowadays?
- What do the Nevi’im teach us about bitachon in Hashem versus reliance on human strength?
Haskamos
I commend Rabbi Klausner for this thoughtful contribution and pray that his sefer will encourage sincere learning, respectful dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of the weighty Torah principles involved.
Rabbi Yaacov HaberRav Kehillas Shivtei Yeshurun, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Reb Moshe Klausner is a talmid chacham, yarei Shamayim, and a principled Ben Torah. This is a difficult sugya that needs to be studied and understood, and Reb Klausner has enabled us to do so. For that, he deserves our gratitude.
Rabbi Yitzchak A. BreitowitzRav Kehillas Ohr Sameach, Yerushalayim
I offer my heartfelt blessing that R’ Klausner’s work be received with the seriousness it deserves, and that it serves as a meaningful step toward the fuller realization of both these sacred responsibilities.
Rabbi Yehoshua PfefferRav of Ohr Chadash, Ramot Bet, Yerushalayim
Get your copy of Torah and the Army.
Buy on AmazonAlso available directly from the author and at bookstores in Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem.
Contact: Moshe@torahandarmy.org