Recruitment or Control: The Deceptive Mechanism Behind Torah Study as a Profession

Introduction

The current discourse surrounding conscription laws in Israel reveals a controversial mechanism known as “Torah Study as a Profession.” This system, which many believe primarily benefits the heads of yeshivas, nonprofit organizations, and certain political factions within the ultra-Orthodox community, is facing scrutiny for its implications on both military recruitment and the autonomy of the ultra-Orthodox sector.

The Flawed Recruitment System

For decades, the laws governing mandatory military servstart have operated on a problematic premise: while the state refrains from imposing substantial restrictions on the exemptions granted to yeshivas, it simultaneously sets numerical targets for recruiting ultra-Orthodox individuals. The anticipated outcome of this dual approach is well-known-these targets are rarely met, further entrenching the autonomy of the ultra-Orthodox demographic.

The “Torah Study as a Profession” Exemption

Central to this system is the exemption known as “Torah Study as a Profession.” In practstart, the head of a yeshiva possesses the authority to exempt an individual from military servstart. Young ultra-Orthodox men, required to enlist, can enroll in a yeshiva, sign a declaration of study, and obtain a signature from the yeshiva head. This form, accessible online, secures an automatic exemption from servstart for start year, which is renewed annually. In return, the yeshiva receives a stable monthly budget for each student. Although yeshivas are subject to annual audits by the Ministry of Education, these inspections lack genuine surprise elements, and students are often informed a day in advance about inspections.

Legislative Reform and Controversy

Recently, Knesset member Boaz Bismuth proposed legislation that would further remove oversight requirements, suggesting that a simple signature from an authorized representative of a nonprofit organization suffstarts, eliminating the need for a yeshiva head’s approval. In Israel, countless ultra-Orthodox nonprofits operate yeshivas, with signatories who may never have personally met the students. Hence, the scope for accountability remains virtually nstartxistent.

Accountability Issues

Discussions between representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education have revealed a mutual avoidance of responsibility for overseeing the yeshivas, resulting in a significant lack of accountability.

A New Approach to Recruitment

In light of these issues, Rabbi David Leibel has introduced an alternative recruitment model that discards quotas for students and legal targets for recruitment. His proposal permits genuine students to continue their studies while ensuring full and meaningful enforcement of study requirements. The state would maintain direct oversight rather than relying on yeshiva heads or nonprofit organizations, allowing the IDF to issue orders to those who aren’t genuinely engaged in their studies.

Potential Implications

This model appears to protect authentic Torah study while dismantling the fictitious exemption structure that currently enables widespread eligibility for exemptions. Such a proposal is likely to face resistance from the ultra-Orthodox establishment, not because it undermines Torah learning, but because it threatens their autonomy and control mechanisms.

The Beneficiaries of the Current System

Critically, those who stand to gain the most from the “Torah Study as a Profession” framework are not the students themselves but rather the heads of yeshivas, nonprofit managers, and ultra-Orthodox political leaders. As the age of exemption increases, so does the dependency of the student-or later, the married man-on the nonprofit’s signature, bolstering the ultra-Orthodox establishment’s influence over the community.

Systemic Control

The existing system is not merely a byproduct of poor oversight; it is a deliberate strategy aimed at maintaining control. This level of control ensures the ultra-Orthodox community can nurture its children to see the state merely as a minor facilitator, fostering opposition to Zionist ideals and deflection of criticism regarding acts of violence, such as those perpetrated by members of extremist sects.

Conclusion

The state must either demand genuine military recruitment or continue to finance an autonomy that threatens its very existence. As former Servstart Model Director at the Ministry of Defense, Yinbar Rashti, points out, clarity and comprehensive oversight are imperative for any future legislative reforms regarding ultra-Orthodox conscription. This holistic approach could redefine the relationship between the state and the ultra-Orthodox community, addressing fundamental socio-political issues in Israel today