5782 —חיזוק חיילים על ידי תורה וחסידות

B"H, the 5th of Tishrei, 5718. Brooklyn.

Mar Yedidi' Alter sh"y.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 17th of Elul, in which you write about your work in the army within the framework of the military rabbinate. Surely, even though you do not mention it explicitly, you are using your position not only for sorting religious soldiers but also to encourage and strengthen their spirits—a necessity among Ashkenazim and all the more so among our Sephardic brethren, for whom sometimes their entire stance in life depends on this in every detail.

I was interested in those points of work that you are ready to implement regarding religious soldiers. How good it would be if you discussed all this with Mar Leib sh"y Zalmanov (currently a shochet and bodek in Bnei Brak), who previously served in the IDF's military rabbinate and is active in Tzeirei Agudas Chabad. As it is said: "salvation comes with many counselors," and I strongly hope that together you can develop a detailed plan suitable for what is currently possible through Tzeirei Aguch, with hopes for its expansion over time. When details become known about this matter, perhaps it will be possible to create additional sources of income to fund this work in other branches as well.

It is unfortunate that your letter was delayed along its way, since surely at the end of Elul and during Tishrei there are many special opportunities to begin and establish these activities; but there is no point lamenting the past.

Since you have already touched on this subject, it would be appropriate to print a concise collection of laws specifically relevant to a soldier's life in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt), preferably in pocket format for convenience. Although I have seen some laws printed in Machanayim magazines, since they are scattered across several issues they do not meet the need at all; also, a concise version as described does not require lengthy debate—at most just citing sources suffices. Of course, if there is no concern that such a summary would become a collection of leniencies on all sides—but we are certainly not dealing with wicked people here—and especially if several rabbis collaborate on its publication.

A particular issue will arise regarding differences in customs; however, it is possible to suffice with a collection of accepted laws without distinction between communities, which will also fulfill an essential need. Certainly there will also be continuation to such an initiative.

Recently I had occasion during a talk here to emphasize that although our Sages said regarding one who goes out to war that "the Torah spoke against the evil inclination," which seems to mean that when one is in the army certain leniencies apply—in truth it is the opposite: one who is in the army must increase caution and holiness as it says: "and your camp shall be holy." I pointed out that the source of holiness is our holy Torah—meaning establishing fixed times for its study. If this applies to all soldiers, how much more so for members of the rabbinate who must themselves inspire others. I hope that even though you conclude your letter by saying that once released from duty you will be able to learn more—the emphasis should be on "more," since your time will then be more at your disposal—but even now you should have fixed times every day for Torah study. Certainly now that you know about Chassidus, also set aside time daily for studying Chassidus and influence your colleagues likewise...

Blessings for good news in all the above and with wishes for inscription and sealing for good and gemar chasimah tovah.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual strengthening through Torah learning and Chassidus is vital for soldiers—especially those serving as religious guides—urging practical steps like publishing accessible halachic guides and maintaining daily study even during military service.