Do Charedim have Hakaras HaTov for those that do serve?
Yes, the Charedi world absolutely believes in and expresses Hakaras HaTov — deep gratitude — for those who serve in the IDF to protect Am Yisrael.
Levi Schwartz
Do Charedim Think Their Lives Are Worth More Than Those Who Serve?
There is no idea more false—or more painful—than the accusation that the Charedi world thinks their lives are more valuable than the lives of soldiers who risk everything for Am Yisrael.
But What About Charedim Who Can’t Learn Full-Time—Shouldn’t They Go to the Army?
“If the mitzvah of learning Torah full-time isn’t for everyone, and there are Charedim who aren’t learning seriously or at all, why shouldn’t they go to the army?”
Does Hesder Yeshiva Prove That You Can Both Learn and Serve in the Army?
From the Charedi Torah perspective, there are fundamental concerns—both spiritual and halachic—that cannot be overlooked.
Are Charedim Really Needed in the Army?
Every year, approximately 50,000–55,000 Jewish males become eligible for enlistment in the IDF. Of that number, only about 30,000–32,000 actually enlist. That means between 18,000–20,000 Jewish men do not serve in the army each year.
Is It True That the Secular Establishment Wants to Assimilate Charedim Through the Draft into the IDF?
Yes—this concern is not just voiced by Gedolim; it has been openly stated by secular political figures and analysts who see conscription as a path toward social integration and cultural homogenization.
Does Unity Mean We Must Compromise on Truth?
We are obligated to love every Jew, even those who are distant from Torah. But no, unity never means compromising on Torah truth.
Why is unity so important in Torah Judaism?
The very fact that we are warned about machlokes shows how destructive it is. Chazal say that the Shechinah cannot dwell where there is fighting and division
What is the Torah’s view on democracy?
Democracy, as we know it today — a government chosen by the people, based on majority rule — is not a concept found in the Torah.
What is the Chareidi View of the State of Israel’s Government — Is It Considered a Legitimate Authority?
From a Torah standpoint, legitimate rule over the Jewish People requires a foundation in Torah. As the Torah states in Devarim 17:15, a king must be chosen by Hashem, through a navi, and accepted by the people.
Do Charedim See Working as a Religious Value?
To understand the Charedi view, we must distinguish between working as a necessity and working as an ideal.
Why Does the Charedi World Frown on “Charedi” IDF Programs?
At first glance, programs like Netzach Yehuda (Nachal Charedi) or Shachar seem like reasonable compromises.
Why Don’t Charedim Serve in the IDF?
This is one of the most controversial and emotionally charged topics in Israeli society. Many people—especially secular Jews—look at Charedim and ask: Why don’t you serve?
Do Charedim Believe They Are the Only Ones with This Task?
Every Jew — from any background, wearing any clothing — who learns Torah and lives it sincerely is part of this eternal chain.
Why Is Torah Learning Considered the Top Priority for Jewish People?
In the Charedi world and throughout our mesorah, Torah learning is seen not merely as another mitzvah, but as the engine that sustains the Jewish People.
Why Don’t Charedim Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut? (Israel Independence Day)
In Charedi neighborhoods, the day is largely observed in quiet. No parades. No flags. No festivities. Not even a mention in most yeshivos or shuls. For many looking in from the outside, it raises the question: Why would religious Jews not celebrate such an important national milestone?
What is the comparison between the founding of the State and the history of the Jewish people during the time of Chanukah?
The comparison between the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 and the events of Chanukah is both striking and sobering—especially through the lens of the Charedi Torah worldview.
What Was the Charedi View of the Founding of the State of Israel?
There may be no event in modern Jewish history that evokes more emotion, more confusion, and more nuance than the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.
Is Living in Eretz Yisrael a Mitzvah According to the Torah?
Ask any Jew with a beating heart and a yearning soul, and you’ll hear it: there's something different about Eretz Yisrael. It's more than a country. It's more than a homeland.