The Basic 'Torah Study' Law

These images speak for themselves (Rationalist Judaism)

Torah study is an underlying value of a Jewish state. Unfortunately, this view is not shared by all of Israel’s Jewish inhabitants. There are some on the far left who reject that premise entirely. Others may see some value in it, but certainly do not follow all of its laws. In fact, there are cities in Israel that promote values that are anathema to the Torah. How many people know, for example, that Tel Aviv is considered one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world? That is hardly a Torah value.

It is with that in mind that I bring up an article in Arutz Sheva, which reported the following:

“Knesset plenum approves Basic Law: Torah Study in preliminary reading, recognizing Torah study as an underlying value of the State.”

It passed by a vote of 56–43.

It is sad that a Jewish state needs to pass a law recognizing the study of what makes it Jewish. It would be like trying to define American democracy without any knowledge of the Constitution. But as noted, many Jews do not see the Torah as having much relevance to contemporary values and do not study its laws at all, considering them archaic and irrelevant. So I am, in fact, in favor of passing such a law. I would even require every school - religious or secular - to include Torah study as part of its curriculum through high school.

That being said, there is more to this law than merely recognizing Torah study as an official value of the State of Israel. The bill would also serve to exempt anyone from military service if they study Torah full time, considering those students to be on par with those serving in the military in terms of their contribution to the welfare of the country. They would therefore be compensated accordingly.

That Torah study is important to the welfare of the country should not be in dispute. But comparing it to military service does a great disservice to those in the military whose sacrifices are far beyond those made by individuals who study Torah full time. It is insulting in the extreme to even suggest such a comparison.

This is not, God forbid, meant to denigrate Torah study or even to suggest that its value is subordinate to that of military service. It is simply to point out that compensation for contributions to society should be commensurate with the sacrifices being made.

Only fools would say that the IDF has no value, or that Torah study alone protects the Jewish people. Anyone with a conscience - including Charedim - must recognize the enormous value of those on the front lines who place themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis.

What the authors of this bill fail to recognize (or admit) is the vast difference between the sacrifices involved in full-time Torah study and those made by soldiers on the battlefield, where people are killed or seriously injured all the time. It is that lack of recognition that upsets not only secular Israelis but even many religious Israelis…

To continue reading - and/or to comment on this post  - click on this link: substack. You must subscribe to receive new posts. It's easy and it's free.