The New Charedi Brigade ‘Chashmonaim’ Dismisses Chabad Soldiers Over Mikvah Dispute
In recent days, a controversy has erupted within the ranks of the Chabad soldiers who enlisted a few weeks ago in the newly established Charedi military brigade, ‘Hashmonaim.’ • Full Story
Several soldiers approached their commanders requesting the establishment of a kosher mikveh (ritual bath) on the base, allowing them to continue the Chabad custom of immersion before prayer. They were assured during recruitment that their Charedi way of life would be respected, with promises to “leave the army the same as they entered.” Despite persistent appeals, the soldiers were met with a firm rejection.
To their dismay, the brigade’s leadership took further action, summoning the soldiers to a disciplinary hearing for their insistence on maintaining the practice, potentially leading to their removal from the unit. The soldiers pleaded for at least temporary permission to leave the base and use a mikveh in a nearby settlement, but this request was also denied.
One soldier expressed his frustration:
“It’s unreasonable that the Air Force provides swimming pools for pilots on their bases, and other units allow soldiers to use mikvehs. Yet, in a brigade that champions Charedi identity, our basic religious needs are dismissed.”
Before enlisting, senior military officials had assured recruits that the new brigade would respect and preserve the Charedi/Chassidic lifestyle. Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Amir Baram had declared on the first day of enlistment:
“We will safeguard the Charedi way of life for our soldiers—there is no contradiction between devout Judaism and combat service. This is a strategic necessity, and the ranks must expand.”
Brigade Commander Avinoam Emunah also promised:
“The brigade will allow the Charedi public to enlist while maintaining its identity.”
The soldiers acknowledged that immersion might not be feasible during field training or operational missions. However, they argue that in a training base where significant investments have been made, there is no justification for denying them a mikveh.
A senior figure in the matter commented:
“It is deeply regrettable that what could have been a flagship initiative to bridge gaps between the military and the Charedi/Chassidic public has, at such an early stage, become a disappointment for the students and those who trusted the process.”
Today, these soldiers are scheduled for a hearing over their “insistence” on mikveh immersion. Sources in the brigade indicate they face possible expulsion but may be reassigned to non-combat roles where they can follow their religious customs.
Following initial reports by Chabad Info, Chabad media figure Rabbi Mendy Reizel shared insights:
“To my understanding, Brigade Commander Emunah supported, at least tacitly, accommodating the soldiers’ requests. However, General Zini opposed it, citing security concerns. It’s ironic that Zini fails to address the prohibited use of smartphones in the brigade but enforces a ban on mikveh immersion.”
Reizel added:
“It seems likely the brigade will opt to transfer these soldiers to other roles rather than dismiss them entirely, allowing them to immerse in a mikveh and maintain their Chassidic lifestyle.”
The Chabad Info news desk reached out to the IDF Spokesperson for a response but has yet to receive a comment. Updates will be published as they become available.
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I dont understand. we married women are required by halacha to use the mikvah. Since when are men required. i always thought this was an optional minchag. In the military, men ought be grateful if they are getting kosher food and are allowed to keep shabbos.
1. Bochurim are not supposed to be in the army
2. A minhag is sometimes stronger than Halacha
3. Going to MIkvah for a Bochur is not optional
4. The military should at least have the same standards with regards to yiddishkeit as a yeshivah
5. They were promised to be accomodated and they are not
6. etc etc
It’s about not having to lose one’s charedi identity in the army. the army crushes religion out of people. it’s run by secular people and they are claiming that they will in the future be respectful of religion.