Halachic Leniencies Issued for IDF Troops Facing Combat Stress During Mourning Period
The IDF Military Rabbinate has introduced halachic leniencies allowing combat soldiers to listen to music and eat meat during the Three Weeks to maintain readiness and mental health amid ongoing conflict. These rulings, tailored to the war’s psychological toll, balance religious observance with operational needs.
As the Three Weeks mourning period began, the IDF’s Military Rabbinate issued special halachic rulings to support combat soldiers amid the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war, which has claimed 888 lives since October 7, 2023. These rulings, detailed in a comprehensive booklet, permit soldiers to listen to music and eat meat during the Nine Days, traditionally a time of mourning and restriction from such activities, when necessary to maintain operational readiness and mental resilience. The decisions address the intense psychological toll of prolonged fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly for soldiers facing combat stress or recovering from injuries.
The Military Rabbinate emphasized that music can be played to sustain alertness, but only privately, avoiding public performances or gatherings. For soldiers with emotional distress or psychological challenges, especially the wounded, listening to music is allowed during the Nine Days if it aids recovery and restores functionality. “These rulings reflect our consistent approach throughout the war, prioritizing the operational reality and the morale of commanders and troops,” a Rabbinate spokesperson stated, highlighting the need to balance religious observance with military demands. The booklet also permits eating and drinking during training or mission preparation, providing schedules, summary charts, and a hotline for guidance.
The leniencies come as 10,000 soldiers have been treated for PTSD and mental health issues since the war began, with 19,000 total injuries reported. Social media posts on X praised the rulings, with one user noting, “Supporting our soldiers’ mental strength is as vital as their physical readiness.” The measures align with past IDF practices, such as allowing music during the 2006 Lebanon War for morale. As Israel navigates complex operations, including recent strikes in Beit Hanoun, these rulings underscore the Rabbinate’s commitment to adapting Jewish law to the realities of war, ensuring soldiers remain mission-ready while honouring tradition.