Instructions of the Military Rabbinate

"Do Whatever is Necessary": The Instructions of the Military Rabbinate for Shabbat

According to the guidelines, activities required for preparing for combat are allowed as during weekdays, and engaging in the identification of bodies and notifying families is also permitted as usual.

(Photo: Nati Shohat/Flash90)

Shabbat in the shadow of the conflict. In the military rabbinate, they are emphasizing religious aspects for the Sabbath for the soldiers on the front lines. The guidelines are based on the principles of Rabbi Shlomo Goren, who determined that everything necessary should be done until victory is achieved.

According to the emphasis, it is allowed to carry items in a regular manner, and there is no need to establish eruv (Sabbath boundaries) that might divert attention from the war effort. Rabbis who are stationed in rear areas and engaging in this activity will not interfere with their military preparations, can establish eruv based on the existing arrangements in the different commands.

All combat operations and combat support on the front and in the rear will be done on Shabbat like on weekdays. Soldiers who are in rear areas and their work is not done in a hurry at all, as well as soldiers who are on standby will keep the Shabbat as it is and try to make Kiddush (and make the blessing over challah as well) and observe the prayers as ordered.

(Credit: IDF spokesman)

Guard duty rotations, useful operational documentation, training, and the inspection of equipment will proceed as usual. The signing of weapons and similar activities will be carried out with adjustments, but not in a manner that causes delays.

In permanent bases on Fridays, a sufficient amount of cooked food for the Shabbat meals will be provided. Heating trays will be delivered to various points in the base. In places where combat forces require hot food and no alternative solution is found, transportation will be arranged for them during Shabbat.

In assembly areas, a hot meal will be provided on Friday evening, and the Shabbat morning meal will consist of items from field refrigerators. For soldiers in combat zones and those about to enter combat immediately who require hot food, it is permissible to transport it to them during Shabbat.

All activities related to retrieving casualties and processing identifications will be carried out as usual in order to expedite the identification and burial process as much as possible. Notifying the families will also be done promptly and without delay. Funerals will not take place during Shabbat.

0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

Iran, Ahmadinejad, Mossad

Iran’s anti-Mossad chief exposed as Israeli spy, says Ahmadinejad

Avi Nachmani | 30.09.24

Terror Victims, Documentary, October 7, 9/11

Bridging two tragedies as 9/11 and 10/7 daughters bond over shared strength 

Avi Nachmani | 30.09.24

Iran, Jewish Community, Hassan Nasrallah

Iran’s Jewish communities mourn Nasrallah, demand retribution 

Avi Nachmani | 29.09.24

A Siddur A Week

A Siddur A Week: A Jewish Prayer Encyclopedia 

Reuven Gafni | 27.09.24

October 7, Culinary Delights

Cooking in memory: Honoring Oct. 7 victims through their favorite dishes

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

Binyamin Netanyahu, Pro-Palestinian Protests, NYC

Netanyahu’s arrival brings about NYC mayhem: 25 arrested at anti-Israel protests 

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

Johannesburg, South Africa, Leila Khaled

Naming a street after terror: Johannesburg proposes "Leila Khaled Drive" 

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

European Anti-Semitism, October 7

This European country is set to host celebrations of the October 7th massacre 

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

Mossad, Iran Threat, David Barnea

Mossad thwarts over 50 Iran-backed attacks on Jews worldwide since October 7 

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

UC Berkeley, Anti-Semitism

UC Berkeley under fire: Palestine course triggers antisemitism debate

Avi Nachmani | 26.09.24

Brandeis University, President Resignation

Brandeis President resigns after banning Palestinian group: Faculty votes no confidence  

Avi Nachmani | 25.09.24
JFeed App Icon
Get the app JFeed