In his publicized halachic opinion, the rabbi speaks from a place of understanding, first-hand knowledge of the serious consequences that may result in his ruling, that even a choson, a bridegroom in his first year of marriage, must join the fighting forces in Gaza, for the Gaza War is a compulsory war, one which does not permit the luxury of sitting back on the sidelines, perhaps waiting for others to take the place of the bridegroom.
The painful yet exacting words were released by Rav Ze�ev Karov on Tuesday.
We merited bringing our son to the chupah last Thursday. The following morning, he was recalled to the army, to command his troops and lead them into Gaza. He responded with the determination, well-aware of his responsibility and the mission at hand.
I hear the criticism and even the anger, those who question the decision and ask can�t they manage without him? Aren�t there others? Mustn�t he remain home to be at his bride�s side?
In a ?milchemes mitzvah�, everyone is compelled to take part, including a choson. The chachamim (sages) teach us a powerful yet potent lesson, one that places priorities in order. Even a bride and bridegroom do not take priority over a compulsory war, teaching us that the young couple draws its strength from the community, as is recited in the bracha under the chupah, "Mevorech Amo Yisrael al Yidei Chupah V�Kidushin. We do not say ?Mevorech Choson V�chalah�. The couple�s new private union is only valid as part of the greater family, Am Yisrael, the tzibur.
We do not place the building of the new home ?on hold� but the choson emerges and joins the tzibur, working immediately on this lofty plain to begin building on a much higher level. There are those who would say the opposite is true and we do not compel the choson to join in, but we deter him from doing so, perhaps even pushing off the compulsory war based on our concerns to protect him. Baruch Hashem, this is not the case and we see the overwhelming numbers are behind the operation, the IDF, understanding that while painful and costly, the Gaza War is indeed necessary.
It is also a moral lesson, a lesson the torah teaches us, that our individual lives must contribute while drawing strength from the community, from the tzibur, the klal.
May it be Hashem�s will that he protects our soldiers wherever they may be and may we merit hearing good tidings.
These are the words of Rav Karov, who son, a 2nd-lt. in the paratroopers, was gravely injured by a Hamas bomb less than two weeks after his wedding. Aaron and Tzvia are still together, but Aaron is now in another battle, fighting for his life, to overcome his extensive injuries.
The public is urged to continue davening for Yehoshua ben Chaya Shoshana as well as all the wounded soldiers. (Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)
http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=28767
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