What’s happening:

Elimelech Risses, an ultra-Orthodox soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has penned an open letter encouraging other ultra-Orthodox youth to consider enlisting. His letter details his personal growth and the harmonization of military service with religious practice, particularly within the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, an ultra-Orthodox unit in the IDF.

Why it matters:

Risses’s letter challenges preconceived notions within the ultra-Orthodox community regarding military service and its compatibility with religious life. His account serves as a testament to the IDF’s ability to accommodate religious needs while also fostering personal development. As such, it is a call to action for ultra-Orthodox youth who may not find their place in traditional yeshiva settings, suggesting that the IDF can be a meaningful alternative.

Key details:

Risses emphasizes the comprehensive spiritual support provided by the ultra-Orthodox battalion, including daily prayers, Torah studies, and Shabbat celebrations, which he claims exceed even his experiences in yeshiva. He also speaks to the sense of responsibility and connection to Judaism he gained through his service, highlighting the IDF’s role in ensuring the safety of the Jewish people in their homeland.

Between the lines:

The open letter is not only an invitation to serve but also a reassurance that one can maintain religious observance within the military. Risses shares how the IDF experience has taught him to combat personal challenges, revealing newfound strengths and preparing him for future life difficulties. He contrasts the ultra-Orthodox battalion’s prioritization of spiritual support with other IDF units, where religious activities must fit around a fixed military schedule.

What he’s saying:

Risses directly addresses ultra-Orthodox youth who are not fully engaged in yeshiva study, suggesting that military service is an “equally important mitzvah.” He advises that the challenges faced during enlistment lead to self-discovery and strength, allowing one to uphold the “fear of heaven and the duty to defend the people of Israel.”

The big picture:

This open letter has the potential to influence perceptions of military service within the ultra-Orthodox community and encourage greater participation in the IDF. Risses’s experience and advocacy reflect an evolving dynamic where religious life and national service are not mutually exclusive but can be integrated in a way that strengthens both individual and national identity.

This story was first published on ynetnews.