Do we really need the IDF Chief of Staff?

An army needs many different people doing many different things. Each department helps the general effort. Each person’s individual role is instrumental for the success of the whole army.

When people say, “Let’s stop the scholars from learning Torah,” it’s like saying: “Let’s stop the Chief of Staff from sitting in his office and planning strategy. Send him out to the battlefield like every other soldier.”

Everyone knows that just as we need men to fight with swords and guns, we need the Chief of Staff to sit and strategize.

Similarly we need those who sit and  study Torah, in order to merit Divine blessing that the army should be successful.

King David stayed at home studying Torah, while Yoav, the general of King David’s army, led the men into battle.

King David’s Torah study ensured that Yoav and the army would succeed.

Soldiers are praised every day. Everyone tells them how wonderful they are. And they are. They put their lives on the line to defend Israel.

Torah scholars are not praised. Instead they often receive derision. Yet they forge on, studying Torah, adding protection for the Jewish nation. Just as King David did.

We are a nation united with our G-d, with our Torah, and with each other.

We need to support one another.

And we need to keep in mind what Prime Minister Netanyahu constantly says: United, with the Almighty’s help, we will be victorious.

(Adapted from a talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.)

https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/livingtorah/player_cdo/aid/2349210/jewish/Mutual-Defense-Pact.htm