According to Israel National News, as part of the IDF's preparations for the Jewish fast days of the 17th of Tammuz and Tish B'Av, as well as the three-week mourning period between them, the IDF Rabbinate's Halacha study centre has published a booklet with specific instructions tailored for soldiers on active duty.
The booklet includes directives on conducting training exercises on fast days and provides rulings specific to wartime scenarios. "The objective is to balance maintaining operational readiness with observing the customs of these days as much as feasible," sources within the IDF Rabbinate emphasized.
The IDF Rabbinate's Halacha study centre routinely publishes guides containing current halachic instructions relevant to the prevailing circumstances. In anticipation of the mourning period and in light of the ongoing hostilities, a special edition has been issued with comprehensive guidance on customs and laws pertinent to this period.
In preparation for continued military engagements, the IDF Rabbinate has authorized special dispensation for soldiers to engage in training exercises during fast days. This deviates from the standard IDF policy which typically allows fasting soldiers to refrain from active participation unless directly involved in operational duties. As per the new ruling, soldiers undergoing training are encouraged to begin fasting and, if they find it challenging to fast during exercises, they may break their fast temporarily to ensure they can continue training effectively. It has been stipulated that these soldiers should prepare their own food and have it readily accessible without disrupting their training routines.
Furthermore, the IDF Rabbinate has issued guidelines for soldiers engaged in operational or security tasks. According to these directives, soldiers actively involved in operational duties are required to maintain their nutritional intake to uphold operational effectiveness. Soldiers are advised to consult with their unit rabbis who are familiar with the circumstances and can assess each situation individually.
