It is the "winning" combination that has always guaranteed the Jewish people's success, as well as the State of Israel. It is this combination that has resulted in the most shocking and powerful successes throughout our history...from Joshua through the Judges, King David to the Maccabees. Ours is a way of being spiritual warriors.

From a classically Jewish perspective, this is why Israel has survived. As in the time of the Judges of old, the IDF has been an army devoted to spirituality. Rabbi Avraham Isaac Kook (known as Rav Kook) was the first Chief Rabbi of the British Mandate of Palestine; and successfully integrated more secular zionists with more religiously observant zionists. He made both sides recognize the value of each other, and successfully integrated both prayer/faith and action into Israeli society and even the military.

Today in Israel, the High Court determined that they will allow the religious exemption from IDF service to expire, and that the observant religious Jews will be drafted to serve in the military. They have made this decision based on two reasons. A: this traditionally anti-observant court has repeatedly gone after the ultra-Orthodox, who spend their days in prayer and study. B: this court is very anti-Netanyahu, and they know this decision could hurt him politically by weakening his coalition.

But as a Jewish historian, I am extremely concerned with how this decision could affect our current war effort, as well as any in the future.

Prayer and action. Both are needed. The spirit needs the body to manifest its goals; and the body needs the spirit to reach its potential. This court decision could remove the spiritual protection and connection that is and has always been the real source of Israel's victories.

We must always remember that our victories are the direct result of our historically unique relationship with God. Our protection is not the Iron Dome or weapons... our ultimate protection is Ribbono shel Olam, the Holy One, Blessed be He; who protects us. (Sometimes by blessing us with a tool like the Iron Dome)

We need to have spiritual warriors in the field; and we need spiritual warriors in the temples and at the Wall praying. They are as much a part of our success as are the IDF soldiers on the front line.

While I understand the resentment that has built up against the observant Jews for their not physically serving in the military; I also understand that the prayers are making a difference. To deny the importance of the prayer warriors in Israel's success is to deny our fundamental commitment as Jews to the premise that "all things are in the hand of God, except being in awe of God." Our history has taught us that we are most successful when we combine spiritual warriorship with physical military might.

The court's decision weakens the spiritual warriroship of Israel. It radically invalidates and transforms the partnership of prayer and action; and removes the spiritual support system needed for true success.

I hope you will join me in praying that the Orthodox in Israel are allowed to not be drafted, that they continue to perform their necessary part and pray for the military success of the IDF, and that the powerful combination of prayer and action result in a speedy and full victory.