Op-Ed: New Troubling Trend of Bochurim Joining the Army
by Rabbi Y. L
In recent years since the 7th, a trend has begun to surface within parts of the frum community, including among Anash. An increasing number of bochurim choose to enlist in the IDF rather than continue their learning in yeshiva. While each individual case may be personal, the broader phenomenon raises serious questions about our priorities and our responsibility to the next generation and our kids.
For generations, the strength and continuity of Yiddishkeit and Chassidus in particular has rested on the dedication of Bochurim who immersed themselves in Torah learning during their teenage years. In Chabad, this was not merely a cultural norm, but a clearly laid out vision of the Rebbe, who consistently emphasized the very important role of full-time Torah learning, especially for bochurim learning in the Chabad Mosdes.
The Rebbe spoke repeatedly about the unique spiritual power of uninterrupted learning in yeshiva, describing it as a foundation not only for the individual bochur’s life, but for the Jewish people as a whole. The years of yeshiva, the Rebbe explained, are not easily replaced later on. They shape a person’s mindset, priorities, and lifelong connection to Torah and Chassidus.
Against this backdrop, the decision of some bochurim to leave zall for military service reflects a significant shift. In some cases, it stems from social or economic pressure; in others, from a desire for structure, purpose, or belonging that they may feel is lacking. These realities cannot be ignored. At the same time, normalizing this path for bochurim risks weakening the very institutions that have sustained our community for decades.
This is not a question of denying the value of mesirus nefesh or responsibility toward Klal Yisroel. Rather, it is about recognizing that the Rebbe charted a specific role for bochurim: to learn, to grow in Torah and Chassidus, and to become future shluchim, mechanchim, and pillars of Jewish life. When that role is blurred, the long-term consequences are felt far beyond the individual.
The emerging trend should serve as a wake-up call — not to judge, but to reflect. Are we providing our bochurim with the support, inspiration, and clarity they need? Are our yeshivos addressing their emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges? And are we, as a community, reinforcing the value of Torah learning with the same conviction the Rebbe demanded?
If we believe in the Rebbe’s vision, then our response must be proactive: strengthening yeshivos, mentoring bochurim, and reaffirming that the beis medrash is not an escape from responsibility, but one of the greatest responsibilities a young Jew can carry.
The future of Chabad and of Torah life depends on the choices our bochurim make today. Ensuring those choices align with the Rebbe’s guidance is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. And this is not to take away the great mesiras nefesh of our soldiers fighting today for the very existence of the Jewish people.
Andrea Karshan
It isn’t fair that every Jew in Israel (except those with exemptions) has to defend Israel but Haredim get out of that responsibility. They benefit from others protecting their country but most do nothing themselves to help. Hats off to the Haredim who do join. It’s a great mitzvah that they are doing.
Not Rabbi Y.L.
Mr anonymous Rabbi YL
Let the bochurim go do something positive for Klal Yisroel. There is no greater mitzvah than Ahavas Yisroel. In the army, they are literally ready to give their life to protect and save other Jews.
Which is way more commendable than hiding behind anonymous op-eds and spouting off randomness.
They should drag your sorry self to the army too. Make a mentsch out of you.
Proud parent
As a proud parent of a child in the IDF and having spent some time with frum soldiers whom are all growing in the yidishkit because they are in the army and have opertunites to do mivsiom on there brothers and sisters. I ask one question why is your name not fully published
Proud mom
My Torah observant son served as a young bochur snd 2 tours in Gaza. He is a true chassid of the rebbe. Why shouldn’t our sons defend the holy land. Mine not yours? Kol ha kvod!
Ephraim Daniel Botnick
These bochurim are shluchim in the truest sense, even though they themselves may not realize it at first. Experience demonstrates that their Yiddishkeit will strengthen and they will develop an enhanced sense of purpose.
Awful
Thank you for the Chossid Shoteh view. Now reality: The Israeli army faces more threats and has a greater shortage of manpower than ever. This is a situation of Pikuach Nefesh. The army is also going to much greater lengths to accommodate frum people. And anyone who has been to Yeshiva knows how many Bochurim are not capable of learning fulltime. I salute the Bochurim defending Yidden.
In disbelief
Totally disagree. We should bow down to any person who puts their life on the line to protect the Jewish people.
Beyond
This entire article is inflammatory. Remove the word IDF and replace it simply with isn’t in troubling how many bochurim are leaving the system because their educational needs aren’t being met? The lack of structure or ability to meet students where they are at and find solutions for bochurim who perhaps 12 hours learning isn’t working. BH for all those who are chosing to protect Am yisroel.
You're right on target!
My son left yeshiva to join IDF before Covid. Yeshivos, pay attention! I’ve always felt what the au says: that he desired structure & most of all PURPOSE (plus excitement and adventure) that he felt was lacking. He was missing support, inspiration and clarity in yeshiva. He is B”H frum & doing well, but sorely missing foundational hashkafa and learning boys should get during/after shlichus year.