IDF forces in the Gaza Strip/IDF spokesman
The halachic branch of the military rabbinate is headed by Lt. Col. Rabbi Udi Schwartz, and the halachic rulings also pass the approval of the chief rabbi of the IDF, Brigadier General Rabbi Eil Karim. The
first instruction concerns fasting the fast of Esther, and according to it, any soldier who is interested in it should be allowed to fast , in accordance with the command of the General Staff, with the exception of soldiers who are engaged in combat or may enter combat "in the immediate time frame" or who are engaged in routine security tasks and security tasks in rear camps.
In such a case, they are obliged to eat to maintain operational fitness.
The same will be done by anyone who is required for physical activity related to the war effort.
The halachic branch of the military rabbinate noted that "the fast of Esther is easier than the fasts of the Holocaust, and it is also made easier for those who are sorry even though they are not really sick. Moreover, this year this fast is not in time, so anyone who has doubts, lest the fast harm his ability to help and support in the best possible way The war effort will persevere in its work and will not be tortured," of course in consultation with the unit rabbi.
If a soldier ate or drank while fasting out of necessity and then is allowed to fast for the rest of the day, he will be tortured until the end of the fast.
Regarding the reading of the scroll, the military rabbinate ruled that anyone who knows for sure that during the 14th of Adar 2 will be on an operational activity that will not allow the reading of the scroll, is allowed to read the scroll as early as 11 of Adar 2, but without a blessing.
Regarding the reading on the day of Purim itself, the military rabbinate wanted to emphasize that "reading a Megillah in enemy territory or in threatened areas - will be carried out only in accordance with the instructions of the commanders in the Gizra. Do not congregate or take risks in order to fulfill the mitzvot of reading the Megillah."
A soldier who is not in the quorum, will read the scroll individually, and bless before the reading, but not after it.
When there is no reader who can read the Megillah according to the law in scoring and flavors, the military rabbinate suggested that one of the soldiers put on headphones and listen to a recording of the reading, and based on the recording read from a kosher Megillah.
If there is no kosher scroll, but only a printed scroll, they will read from it without a blessing.
A soldier who can hear the scroll only through a walkie-talkie - is not out of duty.
Admittedly, if he has no possibility of hearing in any other way, he should at least try to hear the reading in this way, but he will not bless the reading, but rather intend to go out of his way with the blessings and the reading that is heard from afar.
Detailed instructions were also given regarding the other Purim laws such as gifts to the orphans.
Thus, for example, a soldier who will not be allowed to deliver gifts to the poor on Purim will go ahead and appoint a messenger before the holiday, who will give the gifts in his place.
If he did not appoint a messenger, write in the branch of the halacha that "he shall set aside the ma'at for the poor on the day of Purim, and keep them with him until he has the opportunity to give them to the poor."
Also with regard to the delivery of rations, it was determined that it is appropriate for a soldier to buy or bring a delivery from home to give to one of his friends, but if he does not have the option, he can fulfill the mitzvah by transferring his ration of food to his friend.
By the way, in the branch of halacha they emphasized: "Soldiers in the army are simply not allowed to drink wine, since public safety rests on their shoulders and they must maintain clarity of mind."
Officials in the military rabbinate said that in recent weeks, hundreds of halachic questions have been received regarding the observance of the holiday of Purim during the war.
"The rabbis of the branch of halacha give a clear and immediate answer to every question or request, so that all IDF soldiers and their commanders can celebrate Purim in the shadow of war.
We all hope that the holiday will bring with it real joy and a great victory for the people of Israel."
David Berger, in collaboration with Shuba Israel
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