Q&A: Evolutionary Considerations in Jewish Law
Evolutionary Considerations in Jewish Law
Question
The Rabbi presents halakhic considerations in favor of army enlistment, but aren’t there opposing evolutionary considerations in the sense of “It is a time to act for the Lord; they have violated Your Torah,” as presented in the following article by Rabbi Pandel (however demagogic it may be):
https://www.inn.co.il/news/642592
?
That is, what good will it do to be right if in the end we won’t exist?
Answer
No. What evolutionary considerations? It really is a bizarre article. My question to him is: what good will it do to be right if already now we won’t exist?
And beyond all that, the Haredim have been in the government for years. Who exactly is supposed to prepare the army so that their lofty honors may condescend to fulfill their obligation? If they want this, let them take up the challenge and prepare the army. Who is stopping them? Are they even trying?
How much longer do we have to listen to grown adults raising nonsense arguments fit for kindergarten children? This article could be included as an example in columns 609 and 649.
Discussion on Answer
*A valid argument even against the personal obligation to enlist
At the end of column 649, and in several earlier places, I wrote that it is appropriate to exempt a limited and carefully selected number of students. There is no point in dealing with a sweeping question like evolution and Jewish law. It’s like exempting artists or athletes. There are broader considerations of state policy.
The truth is that the link doesn’t advance the discussion, and it was a mistake to bring it. The question is whether there is room for evolutionary considerations in Jewish law?
For example, at the founding of the State, the Chazon Ish asked Ben-Gurion for deferment of service for yeshiva students. In light of what you wrote about the obligation to enlist, was he mistaken in making that request, or is the survival-based rationale of preserving the Torah world acceptable to you as a valid argument?