Everyone Must Fight-No Exceptions

The Torah tells us that the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe, made a request of Moshe Rabbeinu that took him by surprise.

They did not want to enter the Land of Israel, but preferred to stay on the other side of the Jordan River. They had large herds of cattle, and the grazing was far superior in that area.

Moshe was deeply troubled by their request. He reminded them how demoralizing it was when the spies gave their evil report. He was concerned that this intention of theirs would similarly cause great harm to the morale of the nation.

He was further disturbed because of the impending battles that would take place in order to conquer the land. He asked the two and a half tribes, “Shall your brothers go off to war, and you will remain here?”

This question was answered effectively by these tribes that they would join the fight before settling the land. They kept their promise, and fought courageously on behalf of the Jewish people.

The question posed by Moshe Rabbeinu was answered correctly by the two and a half tribes. However, this question has great relevance to our situation today. Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik, the son of Rav Ahron, said that the obligation to fight by able bodied Jews, applies wherever they live. It is an obligatory war, with no exemptions.

It is so wrong that the burden of fighting a bitter enemy like Hamas and Hizballah, falls only on some Jews, while others sit and watch.

Each person has to make his own calculations and assessments of right and wrong. But Moshe’s question, “Shall your brothers go off to battle, and you will remain here,” is a question for the ages. Many have responded with exemplary courage. But those who have not, need to do some serious soul searching.

We believe that there is right and wrong in this world. Each person must have the inner strength to make the difficult choices, and choose only what is right.