In this week's Torah portion, we are taking one further step toward entering the Promised Land and we are given details as to what kind of regime should be set up there - about the system for appointing judges, the monarchy and its limitations, the authority of the rabbinical leaders who must teach the nation, and the nature of the defense establishment.

Toward the end of Parashat Shoftim, there is a passage describing the process of screening warriors before they set off for battle: "And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? Let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? Let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart" (Deuteronomy 20:5-8).

Those individuals who are in the middle of building their private lives - whether a house, a livelihood or a family - are exempt from the war. This passage emphasizes how much of a sacrifice we here in Israel must make when we do our compulsory military service. We and our children must postpone our private plans until we have completed our compulsory service with the Israel Defense Forces. This stage is followed by reserve duty for a good part of our adult lives.