0 commentsIt was 1 am when Israel’s Cabinet signed off on a long-awaited Gaza ceasefire deal. Ministers had deliberated behind closed doors for over seven hours, culminating in a decisive 24-8 vote that would pave the way for the first hostages to return home within 48 hours.
It was also Shabbat.
Join the JBN+ WhatsApp GroupFor those unfamiliar with the rhythms of Jewish life in Israel, that last detail might seem minor. In a country where holiness and governance weave an ancient tapestry, the timing cuts to the heart of religious leadership. Although headlines often stigmatize the ultra-Orthodox community as inflexible in their devotion to religious law, the notes they left behind along with their “Yes” votes before departing for Shabbat tell a much different story.
Take Minister Michael Malchieli’s written declaration: “Whoever saves one soul in Israel is as if he saved an entire world.” Or Interior Minister Moshe Arbel’s invocation of the biblical command, “And may your brother live with you.”
Their words of comfort for Israel’s broken heart after 15 months of war come on the heels of Shas Minister Aryeh Deri publicly declaring that for the sake of saving lives, they would be prepared to break the Sabbath to vote.
Sometimes it’s hard to see past the inflammatory headlines attacking the Haredi community. Regardless of veracity, they all misunderstand how Israel’s religious leadership weighs its sacred obligations. The same Torah that commands these leaders to set aside Shabbat for saving lives also teaches them that Israel’s survival depends on both physical and spiritual protection.
When the Haredi community advocates for Torah study over national service, it’s not a rejection of Israel’s values, but rather a call to serve on a different front of the war. All guided by the same principle that led them to override Shabbat if necessary.
The preservation of Jewish life in all its forms.
Some stand guard in Gaza while others study sacred texts in yeshivot, each continuing a protective tradition as old as the exodus from Egypt itself.
Photo Credit: Ultra-orthodox Israeli ministers cast their votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire (X: @shemeshmicha)
They wrote the notes before Shabbat. They all left the meeting before Shabbat, abandoning their responsibilities as cabinet ministers. They should all resign.
What?? And if Hamas had demanded that the Haraydeem enlist in the Army as a condition for the release of the hostages would the same principles have applied? Not sure what their yes vote has to do with showing their flexibility…
Those who choose not to serve in the army put more strain on the modern orthodox “tzioni” who serve in their stead. And I’m told by an orthodox rabbi that many of these haredim are not actually spending their time studying. That the haredi community simply doesn’t want them to be tempted by the outside world by being in the army. My grandfather (zichrono levracha) was a Sephardic rabbi and all his sons served in the IDF and he would bless the soldiers. Also, I heard that the Shas party didn’t help to bring back the hostages as they had promised. I don’t agree with your Op-Ed.
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