Anyone who has met me recently has heard how excited I am about Ascent's programs with the Israeli Army. The IDF is increasing its program of Jewish education for soldiers of all ranks, and they are currently sending many groups to us, at least a few each week. (see video)
Sometimes they even invade in the middle of the night; at 12, at 2, and even at 3 in the morning. Why? To have a talk at Ascent at a pre-dawn tour around the Old City, which includes a dip in the Ari mikveh (for men) and participation in the 4:30am Selichot services at some of the famous Sephardic shuls such as Abuhav and Beit Yosef.
Recently, we met with the new director of a new army department whose entire job is to develop and coordinate programs that will increase Jewish values in soldiers. We asked Rabbi Colonel BenArtzi what did he expect a soldier to receive from the programs.
Sitting back in his chair, he shared 5 principles:
each person is
inherently holy;
they are part of the ongoing history of the Jewish people;
the need for victory;
the importance of family;
the love of a fellow
Jew.
Hearing those words from a career army officer, made me proud to be
a Jew, and an Israeli. If this is the direction of the army, there is a bright
future for all the Jewish people and we are proud to be a part of it!
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Rabbi Shaul Yosef Leiter is the Executive Director of Ascent of Safed