Rabbi Gilad Kariv of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), the Reform Movement's legal arm has come out against new changes to the Tal Law, under which volunteer work with the Chabad Lubavitch religious outreach group will now be recognized as a legitimate alternative to IDF service. The law was proposed in January of 2003 to encourage religious Hareidi participation in the IDF and in national service
Not all Chabad outreach will count as national service – such as encouraging Jewish men to don phylacteries or Jewish women to light Shabbat candles. However, providing assistance and services to the infirm and destitute, as well as helping young boys prepare for bar mitzvah, will count toward national service.
Rabbi Kariv called the deal with Chabad "outrageous," saying "blatantly religious activity" should not stand in the place of mandatory military service, and suggesting that national service should be "devoid of religious content." IRAC has threatened to go to court over the issue. For the full story, click here.