I understand that you don't understand. That is precisely why you wrote your comment. If you REALLY want to understand, go to an orthodox rabbi and he will explain the halacha (Jewish law) to you.

"Just following orders" is something we heard a lot of at the Nuremburg trials after World War 2. We did not think much of that excuse, and neither does G-d accept it as an excuse for disobeying His Torah. Religious soldiers in the IDF have proved themselves to be the best of the best in countless cases and excel in the most elite units of the IDF. The IDF could show a bit of respect for Jewish law and it's members who observe it.

This IDF is getting to be for the birds, So much for the good old days of the 40's 50's 60's . whe men became officiers. Hamas should send one of their female singers, and see the debacle in the ranks of our heroes. Religion is killing the country, and religion is in the process of killing the army

Expel violators immediately. Alternatively, Chief Rabbi will be Chief of Staff & anarchy will reign & IDF manual will be a 3,000 year old obsolete book never updated to 21st century insuring sure collapse of military

these officer cadets would have been kicked out immediately of the army for disobeying a direct order. Perhaps, not the Iranian army where women don't sing at all.... Sheesh kabab, it's like the Muslim officer cadet who didn't want to sing God Save the Queen in the British army officer cadets course? Do you know what they did to him? They threw him out!

Untrue. Wearing your countries' uniform is all about serving, which firstly means that you have to put yourself aside, and that includes your religious sensitivities. Besides, it's not as if they were forced to eat pork, take off their kippot or get a tattoo now, weren't they? That said, if any soldier anywhere in the western world disobeys a direct order, given for whatever reason, by a superior, he's in trouble, and, in most cases, rightly so.

The difference between using your God given singing voice is what words you sing, and what tone you use. If young men are vulnerable to the charm of a young womans voice, then let them put their fingers in their ears, diplomatically. If this was worship and thanks that is fine, if it was emotional schmalz they were right, so you have not reported the important and relevant element. TRY AGAIN

The probation on the voice of women is a left over archaic Halacha from a time when women were rarely seen or heard in public. In modern times ever since the invention of phonograph records, radio, motion pictures, television & other modern communication means, a women’s voice is an everyday occurrence and is not considered the voice of a “Greek siren” and for most normal males does not invoke a sexual response. The adherence to this Halacha is just another manifestation of not becoming part of this century.

You know, the reporter was very careful to note that the soldiers did not get up when women soldiers sang, but only when one sang solo. Which is the halakha, that men shouldn't listen to a woman singing solo. Was it so hard for the army to arrange for the two women to sing together instead of a solo, just as a matter of sensitivity? That's not silencing anyone, nor is it discriminating, nor is it insulting to the women or leaving them out of the ceremony. It's all a matter of no one being sensitive to anyone.

religious groups and leaders must have a very low trust in the humanity and integrity of their followers if they believe that all mixed activities leads to testicular stimulation! desire and appreciation of beauty are not a sin... taking a woman against her will is the offence, not appreciating her qualities...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzniut See above for definition. The rewards are many.

What I saw was the same uniform I hope thei wives are untouchable (needa_ throught the durations of their marriages

I wouldn't want the UN to be the dominate of the world, especially for Israel's sake. People like you are the ones who drive countries into the third world and hog all the opportunities and power for yourselves.

To those of you who say use earplugs, there's a fatal flaw in your logic: By not leaving the soldiers would have been giving a signal to others that such behavior is acceptable which it is not. Similar to choosing McDonalds as the venue for your bathroom break.

is deluded by his own false sense of self importance The UN is a "World Body", we know tht it too is full of crap You might ask that same question of 1.5 Billion Muslims living in 2 dozen theocracies of their own Let's just say that "You’re out of this World"

You are inconsistent! You seem to say that in the army one MUST follow all orders (like the nazis did?). But, then you seem to indicate that if they were required to eat pork, take off kippot, etc., then they WOULD be justified in refusing to follow the order. Soooo... What's the story? Do you have to follow ALL orders or don't you? Furthermore, who gave YOU the authority to decide which Jewish laws supercede military orders and which ones don't?!?

How sad. Sounds like another religion with the same problem. I thought women were to be revered and respected. She did something to lighten your hearts and you walk out. Get the women out of the military. They're in danger from these people. I love the military but you messed up this time.

To embarass a female singer is a bigger sin than, to listen to her sing.

instead of making war, i like to hear and to see a woman, women, men sing, if they want it.