The Jewish Army | Bamidbar 5785

This week, Rav Doron attended a memorial for a soldier who died in an accident during his IDF service 28 years ago – the soldier would have turned 50 this year.

At the memorial, Rabbi Michael Brom spoke movingly about the spirit of this generation. Despite the pain and tragedy of the current war – the longest in Israel’s history – there is no national despair. Instead, there is strength. There is unity. There is an unshakable sense of purpose and pride in our soldiers and in the people of Israel.

From the very first verses of Sefer Bamidbar, we see that only those of military age were counted – not because war is glorified, but because defending life is sacred. The Torah’s army was never mercenary or professional. It was a people’s army – of the people, by the people, and for the people.

And in a Jewish army, every life counts. Every soldier matters. Every name is known. Every loss is felt.

This is the spirit we carry today: one for all, and all for one. May Hashem protect all our soldiers, and bring every one of our hostages home.