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Over 15 IDF soldiers pronounced dead in Gaza without bodies

Pronouncing a person’s death is one of the most sensitive, religiously complex issues faced by the Military Rabbinate.

Should Israeli hospitals treat Hamas terrorists? Jewish law explains

It ultimately remains difficult to justify prioritizing national resources for an enemy like Hamas when an Israeli citizen needs it at that moment.

By SHLOMO M. BRODY
25/11/2023

Israel-Hamas war: The moral maze of hostage deals

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Jewish teachings, Benny Gantz made clear, informed his decision to support the Israel-Hamas deal to save hostages held in Gaza.

24/11/2023

This is why Israel plans to bury hundreds of cars, with ashes and blood stains

To preserve the sanctity of those murdered by Hamas, for the first time since the establishment of the state, they decided to bury the vehicles.

22/11/2023

Denying Israelis Jewish burials: ‘What would God say?’ - opinion

As if it wasn’t bad enough for her grieving family that Alina was mercilessly killed, the Chevra Kadisha decided that Alina Plahti must be buried “outside the fence,” away from the Jewish graves.

By JONATHAN LIEBERMAN
19/11/2023

Israeli rabbis are issuing guidance about how to adjust Jewish law during wartime

The opinions are almost all rooted in the core Jewish idea that pikuach nefesh, or the preservation of life, overrides nearly every other religious law.

By JACKIE HAJDENBERG/JTA
18/10/2023

Rabbinate releases instructions for keeping Shabbat during wartime

Some laws can be altered or followed differently due to the principle of "pikuach nefesh," asving a person's life.

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