Q&A: What Is the Meaning of the Ideal State
What Is the Meaning of the Ideal State
Question
Hello to the esteemed Rabbi, may he live long and well.
As is known, the Rabbi holds that the current state is secular, and therefore one need not oppose it or agree with it and its rule in every matter (as if it were holy); anyone united under the idea that the Jewish people need a political home in the historical Land of Israel can cooperate with it to some extent.
The question is: assuming a state of Jewish law were established, operating to realize the values of Judaism, how should one relate to it then, and would that have any practical implications—for example, whether there would be a religious obligation to enlist in the army of such a state, and likewise to show respect to public servants, etc.? Would it be a commandment in its own right and part of Judaism, or only an instrument for fulfilling a commandment?
Answer
There is an obligation to enlist even in the state as it exists today. In principle, in my opinion there is no difference between the situations in terms of the practical attitude toward the state.