Sukkot 2026: Faith and prayer can protect us, but Israel still needs a strong IDF - opinion

A columnist argues that Sukkot's dual message—Divine protection and human self-reliance—mirrors the ongoing Israeli debate over whether security depends on the IDF or on faith. The piece cites Talmudic sources, biblical figures, and historical leaders who embodied both worlds, framing the current election's core issue around military service and the balance between God and the army.

A Jerusalem Post opinion columnist argues that Sukkot's dual message—Divine protection versus human self-reliance—mirrors the ongoing Israeli debate over whether security depends on the IDF or on faith. The piece cites Talmudic sources (Rabbi Eliezer's view that sukkot were real huts versus Rabbi Akiva's view that they were miraculous clouds), biblical figures (King David as both a psalmist and military strategist), and historical leaders (David Ben-Gurion, Yigal Yadin, MK Avraham Verdiger, MK Avraham Ravitz) who embodied both worlds. The author frames the current election's central issue as who must serve in the IDF and for how long, arguing that the religious-Zionist community successfully combines Torah study with military service. The column references recent controversies including the NAZA film, the Oct. 7 investigation, and Yair Golan's reported actions. The writer is the director of the Jewish Outreach Center of Ra'anana.