The Israel Defense Forces plan to form the first company of the new Hasmonean Brigade to be made up of ultra-Orthodox members by Chanukah time, which this year starts on the evening of Dec. 25.
The IDF wants to capitalize on the symbolism. The Hasmonean Dynasty began after the Jews threw off the yoke of Hellenistic rule in the Maccabean Revolt (167 BCE to 141 BCE) against the Seleucid Empire, the liberation that the holiday commemorates.
Thirty young men have already passed the first screenings and dozens of others have expressed interest in serving in the brigade, Ynet reported.
The army is also looking to make haredi soldiers currently serving in non-combat roles into combat soldiers for the brigade.
A company is made up of 60 to 80 soldiers.
The IDF is taking a gradual approach, hoping that the haredi community will take note that the brigade is responsive to the religious needs of the ultra-Orthodox, creating trust between the community and the army.
The new brigade requires recruits to follow a strict halachic lifestyle—that is, one in keeping with Jewish law. Observant Jews will serve as commanders in the brigade.
Brigade enlistees will sign a document accepting its rules. One clause states that recruits will at all times maintain a religious way of life, be careful to use clean speech, keep beards and sidelocks throughout their service if they entered the army with them, and wear Sabbath clothes during Sabbath prayers and meals “as is customary in ultra-Orthodox society (and even a suit and a hat).”
All the courses and training for soldiers in the brigade will be conducted internally to avoid mixing with non-Orthodox units, a nod to a concern of many ultra-Orthodox, who view it as a violation of the IDF’s obligation to preserve their strict lifestyle.
Brigade commander Col. Avinoam Emunah said: “I am privileged to be the commander of the ultra-Orthodox brigade and to be part of this special project that can bring about a change in Israeli society and the entire people of Israel.
“We established a brigade, which for the first time since the establishment of the IDF and the establishment of the state, will allow the ultra-Orthodox public to enlist and serve in combat according to their lifestyle and preserve their identity,” he said.