Holy Soldiers

Moshe Rabbeinu’s final task before his death was to make war with Midyan. They were guilty of causing the elite of Israel to sin.

This was a holy war meant to punish those who wished to weaken the Jewish people spiritually. Moshe chose one thousand soldiers from each tribe, who were free from sin. Their high spiritual level would offset the low spiritual level of Midyan.

Pinchas had an active role to play in this battle. He became the כהן משוח מלחמה, the Kohein anointed for battle. It was his job to encourage the army of the righteousness of their mission, and how they were fighting Hashem’s battle.

Pinchas took the holy vessels of the Mishkan with him. The Holy Ark and the garments of the High Priest, helped to subdue the enemy.

There was not even one casualty in this particular war against Midyan. The sanctity of the soldiers and the righteousness of the cause, allowed Hashem to guide them to victory. They succeeded in eliminating all of the impurities that had infiltrated the Jewish camp.

In our time, we are witnessing the devotion and determination of the holy soldiers of the IDF. They go off to battle, with prayers on their lips. They understand the sanctity of their mission. They are defending the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland. They are sanctifying the Name of G-d.

They are teaching the world that the G-d of Israel has not forsaken us, and He fights our battles with our soldiers.

We must acknowledge daily the bravery and courage of our young soldiers. All of Israel and all Jews around the world, owe them a debt of gratitude. Just as it was in Moshe’s time, sanctity and purity is returning to the House of Israel.