On prisoner exchanges, Part 2

Hi,

"Because they will go to war on a mission of the nation and for its sake, to defend the nation dwelling in Zion, there is an unwritten, understood obligation, that the nation will use every means at its disposal – within reasonable boundaries so as not to endanger national security – to redeem them, should they fall captive."

(Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli, Torah sheb'al Peh 17)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

On prisoner exchanges, Part 1

Hi,

"Before the eyes of the determining authority was an additional, important point: the morale of the soldiers of the IDF. When a soldier knows that should he fall captive, the entire State of Israel would stand behind him to free him, he will risk his life in battle without fear."

(Rabbi Chaim David haLevi, Aseh Lecha Rav 7:53)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Drafting Torah scholars

Hi,

Here's a controversial one:

"Rabbi Avahu said, citing Rabbi Elazar: Why was Avraham punished, and why were his descendants enslaved in Egypt for 210 years? Because he drafted Torah scholars for military service, as it is written, 'And he brought out his trainees, those born into his house.'"

(Talmud, Nedarim 32a)

Aside from the political issues of today, this is problematic because:
1. Avraham himself went, and there is no penalty for that trip;
2. This was a trip geared toward saving a life (although perhaps Lot was not in mortal peril).

Have a great day,
Mordechai