Concerning the observation not just of Shabbat, but the system of prescribed mitzvot, while serving in the military, Jewish tradition stands on the principle of dina d’malchuta dina, the law of the land, or the nation, or the military, is the law. Military law therefore takes precedence over religious observance. We see this in the wearing of a kippah, the laws of tsitsit and payess and especially in MREs (meals ready to eat) or the old k-rations and c-rations. In fact, there was a responsum during World War II when the only rations available were pork, that a Jewish soldier must sustain life, even when the only food available is treife. The proof text comes from the Bible, I Samuel 21:3 in that military necessity takes precedence over even what is to be eaten.

Your question would require a small book to answer

but the good news is that the US military provides Rabbis as Jewish chaplains to answer your questions

I would also advise that you find a rabbi who you trust who will be available by phone or email

in basic terms if you are involved in actually saving lives you may do whatever you need to do

if there is a real potential for saving lives but the danger is not present and immanent you may be able to violate rabbinic law but not biblical law

you are also free to return from life saving missions on Shabbat

Good luck and I hope you find the right guidance

Your sacrifice and commitment honors us all

Let me begin for commending you for your courageous and selfless decision to join the military. In synagogue, each Shabbat, we recite a prayer for the welfare of our country and the safety of those who protect and defend our freedoms. America is an extraordinary nation and, as Jews, we are blessed to share in the opportunities that this country has given us. Praying for our country, however, is not enough. If we believe in the values and ideals of our constitution, then we must be willing to fight for them and protect them within our own borders and oversea.

 

That said, I must begin by saying that there are unique challenges for an observant Jew in the military – whether one is serving here in America or in Israel. In order to serve in the military, one must be prepared to relinquish some of the comforts and opportunities that civilians take for granted. In a sense, one is serving a greater value – the welfare of one’s country and one’s fellow citizens. And that means that sometimes the ritual observances of Judaism must be adapted to the greater needs of the military and society.

 

I remember a story that my colleague, Rabbi Danny Gordis, tells. Rabbi Gordis and his family moved to Israel a number of years ago. When it came time for his daughter to enter the Israeli army, he and his wife were understandably nervous about what this would mean for her as an observant girl. A meeting was held by the military for parents of observant children. After speaking about their experience, three observant Jewish girls who were in the army invited the audience to ask questions. One father stood up and asked in an accusing tone: “Does being in the army mean that my daughter won’t be able to observe Shabbat?” One of the observant soldiers stepped forward and said: “There are times when they will have to serve our country in the military on the Sabbath – do you think our enemies take the Sabbath off?”

 

When deployed overseas, your first responsibility is to serve your country and protect your fellow soldiers. There will be opportunities for you to celebrate the Sabbath and holidays but first and foremost this is your responsibility: to protect and defend. This becomes a matter of Pikuah Nefesh, the protection of life, which takes precedence over all else in Judaism. Your commanding officer and the local chaplain will do everything possible to help you observe the traditions of Judaism. But it is unlikely that you will be able to strictly observe the Sabbath, any more than an Israeli soldier can observe the Sabbath when he or she is called to service in times of crisis. It is possible to arrange for Kosher food and the military is sensitive to the importance of Jewish holy days. By the way, I should mention that whether or not you have a Jewish chaplain on your base, I think you will find that they will be helpful in helping you maintain your Jewish identity while you are in the military.

 

Similarly, while serving in the military state side, I suspect you will find that you do not always have control of what days you are ‘on’ and ‘off.’ Depending where you are located you might find that there are religious services for Jewish soldiers or a local synagogue that will be glad to welcome you. Again, it is important to speak to your commanding officer and the local chaplain about such matters – they will be your best advocates.

 

Rabbi Mark Greenspan