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Attending the funeral of an Israeli soldier often involves witnessing various military practices that are also seen in funerals worldwide. These rituals, such as laying wreaths and rifle salutes, raise questions within Jewish law about appropriating non-Jewish customs.
The Torah instructs against following the ways of ancient pagan cultures (Vayikra 18:3). This prohibition has been interpreted by commentators to encompass a wide range of behaviors, including imitating foreign rituals, dress, and hairstyles. The goal is to maintain Jewish distinctiveness and prevent assimilation with idolatrous practices.
While some customs shared similarities with neighboring cultures, the Talmud permits certain practices like the burning of royal artifacts, indicating a nuanced approach to adopting non-Jewish customs. The Vilna Gaon advocated for strict adherence to Jewish practices unless a custom serves a practical purpose and is not idolatrous in nature.
Rabbi Moshe Isserles established a more lenient position, allowing for the adoption of non-idolatrous foreign rituals if they have a reasonable justification. This approach acknowledges the complexity of navigating cultural influences while upholding Jewish traditions.
In modern times, the application of these principles remains challenging, with differing opinions among scholars. Some religious Jews choose not to participate in certain national ceremonies, citing the need to prioritize Jewish values over societal norms. However, the majority view permits engaging in non-idolatrous rituals for meaningful purposes.
Ultimately, the commemoration of fallen soldiers in Israel involves a blend of military customs and traditional Jewish practices. While some may question the appropriateness of certain rituals, many find them to be profound expressions of honoring the sacrifice made for the Jewish people.