A Realistic Plan for the IDF Haredi Draft?

The last article I wrote here raised the question of whether Haredim and the IDF could peacefully coexist. It opened dialogues and offered perspectives which allowed those on both sides to “peer over the fence” and perhaps better understand their Jewish brother on the other side.

If there’s one thing that October 7, 2023 taught us it’s the fact that we are ONE people – one nation of Jews dispersed around the world, with one heart that mourns and bleeds when our own suffer trauma or tragedy. Jews of every background, level of religious observance and political leaning have wept over both the living and deceased hostages in Gaza. Our enemies reminded us that we deeply love our fellow Jew – and in moments of true crisis, issues that divide us fade into the background. In those moments, we hold onto the realization that we are all different tribes – each bringing a unique flavor and expression to the Jewish people.

Discussing topics like this IDF Haredi draft crisis understandably blows winds across the passionate fires on both sides. I do believe though that if, with open hearts and minds, we can remember how unified we were at the beginning of this war, we will find the inner fortitude to seek compromise and collaboration with one another on any controversial issue. Families have arguments and disagreements and the Jewish family is no different. But, if we remember we are all a connected family, maybe that will matter more than any issue that threatens to divide us.

Now on the brink of a potential coalition collapse and with the danger of an Israeli election taking prominence during an existential war, it’s time to get over our pet issues and remember who we are so we do not put ourselves back into the contentious place we sat in just days before October 7.

I was asked to post the below Haredi/IDF proposal – written by some deeply concerned, solution-seeking Jews who want to avert worsening the present Haredi – non Haredi divide in Israel during a terrible war. I am merely the messenger sharing their plan that, with HaShem’s help, perhaps will open minds, start conversations and demonstrate that we can move past the limitations of black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinking. We can come to the family table and make a seat for all of our siblings to be there.

This is the exact plan as it was given to me and is posted with permission from its authors.

Proposal: IDF & Haredim — Torah Learning Exemption with Testing and Stipend Reform
May it beH save us from a terrible machloket and potentially tragic mistakes.

Problem Overview

1.1 Public Frustration
Many Israelis feel that too many Haredim exploit military exemptions and stipends while not genuinely learning. This breeds resentment from non-Haredi Jews whose children serve in the army and who see some Haredim idle in cafes instead of yeshivas. Additionally, many Israelis are busy fighting a war for over a year, and feel that their Haredi brethren are getting a free pass.

1.2 Inadequate Draft Quotas
Current quotas for Haredi enlistment are not being met due to reliance on voluntary participation, which is slow and inconsistent.

1.3 Haredi Stance
Haredim insist that all truly committed learners deserve exemption. Torah study is central to Jewish spiritual preservation and national success.  Additionally, the IDF has not made accommodations to the level that would enable the Haredi world to trust that those who enlist would remain Haredi (or be allowed to remain Haredi). It is very hard to understand the Haredi world if you are not Haredi.  To further the gap, the Israeli courts have served as a detriment to any accommodations that have been made.

1.4 Religious Basis
Based on Rambam’s view in Hilchot Shemitta and Bamidbar 1:49, those dedicated to Torah are considered the spiritual “Tribe of Levi” and are exempt from warfare.  For this proposed solution to work, the value of Torah learning must be acknowledged, accepted, and codified into law.

1.5 Economic Inequity
Many genuine Torah learners live in poverty. Meanwhile, some Haredim misuse stipends and exemptions while neither learning nor serving in the IDF. This injustice damages public trust.

1.6 National Division
Internal strife between Haredim and the rest of Israeli society weakens the Jewish people spiritually and strategically.

2. Proposed Solution: Effort-Based Testing and Stipend Reform
   This plan would have to be fully free from the influence of the courts, and must be accepted in its entirety.

Overview:
Introduce monthly effort-based tests for Torah learners to determine eligibility for:

• Army exemption
• Learning stipends

This system distinguishes between serious Torah learners and others.

Test Scores Define Tracks:  Test results are based on a three-month average.

• 93–100 average: Exemption and receive a double stipend
• 80–92 average: Exemption and receive a regular stipend
• 60–79 average: Half-day learning/half-day working program with IDF basic training
• Below 60 average: Serving for 18 months in the new branch of Nachal Haredi, as mentioned below, after optional Mechina prep year.

3. Testing Details

3.1 Nature of the Tests

• Tests focus on effort, not brilliance.
• Learners declare in advance what material (Gemara, Shulchan Aruch, Tanach, etc.) they will study.
• Standard example: 30 dapim Gemara/month with Rashi.
• Optional “half-track:” Study 15 dapim/month and volunteer ~40 hours/month (e.g., in hospitals).

3.2 Test Formats

• Students choose format: Multiple Choice, Matching, or Completion.
• Tests generated from large databases (250–500 questions per unit).
• Prevents cheating: Each test is a unique, randomly generated combination.
• Instant grading and retesting available.

4. Rabbinic Committee and Test Oversight

4.1 Selection and Composition

A joint committee will be formed by leading figures from both Haredi and Zionist religious sectors:

• Haredi leaders appoint their own representatives as they see fit
• National Religious leaders appoint their own representatives as they see fit
• Each group will nominate 10–15 respected Rabbis.
• The Chief Rabbi of the IDF is included by default.
• The Chief Rabbi of Israel is included by default.

4.2 Responsibilities of the committee

• Develop the test questions.
• Review and approve student-submitted questions.
• Work with government-appointed agency to define effort thresholds.
• Guarantee halachic standards across learning/testing and IDF-related decisions.

5. Administration and Infrastructure

5.1 Government Agency

A new agency will:

• Administer tests and track scoring
• Track performance and stipend levels
• Handle scheduling, communication, registration, tech support
• Staffed by Torah-adherent Haredim to create jobs within the community

5.2 Infrastructure

• Computers and secure databases will support the program.
• Testing centers will be established across the country.
• Absence without valid emergency leads to stipend loss.

6. Academic Path and Stipend Program – begins after High School.

6.1 Early Yeshiva (Years 1–2)

• No tests required
• No stipends for unmarried students

6.2 Years three and on

• Monthly tests over 6 months determine future path

Scoring Pathways:

•  Below 60 average: Nachal Haredi (with optional Mechina year)
• 60–79 average: Half-day Yeshiva/work + Basic IDF training (in two 3–6 month blocks)
• 80–92 average: Continue full-time learning; must maintain grade
• 93–100 average: Double stipend for consistent excellence, continue full time learning; must maintain grade

6.3 Ongoing Evaluation

• Every 3 months, scores are reviewed to determine track continuation or transition.

7. Half-Day Learning/Working Track

• Morning: Yeshiva learning until at least noon daily
• Afternoon: National service or paid internship by IDF-supporting businesses (uniform, weapons or armaments manufacturing, etc.)
• Partner businesses must uphold halachic standards as set by the above rabbinical committee
• Transition from Sheirut Leumi to paid internships
• No stipends; potential for state subsidies to participating employers

8. Nachal Haredi: “Army of King David”

• All-male, Haredi-led unit
• High-level kashrut and religious oversight
• All decisions without deviation to be made by the Haredi rabbis appointed to the above mentioned committee.
• Spiritual and educational support from Mechina and assigned Rebbeim

9. Mechina Program

• For students scoring below 60
• One-year program to strengthen:
  • Yirat Shamayim, Emunah, Tefilla, Halacha, Gemara and IDF preparedness
• Helps integrate Haredim into military roles while maintaining spiritual growth.
• All Rabbis are selected by the Haredi rabbis from the above-mentioned committee.

10. Unity & Empathy Initiatives must be done to unite the country.

• Shooting Range Training: 3x/year for Torah learners to understand and appreciate the risks taken by IDF soliders.
• Shabbatons: Mixed Haredi/non-Haredi events (outside of Haredi areas) for cross-community engagement where members of the above-mentioned committee will select individual Haredi learners to serve as Rabbis over a weekend. They will develop engaging and inspiring Torah events geared toward the secular public to help them better understand their Haredi brothers.
• Day in Yeshiva: Mandatory one-day Torah learning for all IDF soldiers every 3 months run by the above-mentioned committee.

11. Costs and Funding

• Funded by reallocating the existing stipend budget
• Unused stipends from those who didn’t pass tests help fund administrative agency

12. Implementation Plan

• Pilot Program: 5–10 Haredi & non-Haredi Yeshivas, 75+ students each
• Trial Period: First 6 months = testing only for data; stipends continue unchanged. Followed by a 3-year trial run.
• Full Rollout: After 3 years of successful pilot phase then the government fully launches the program.