Religious females who can serve in the IDF, either doing their mandatory time or because they volunteered, have three main options: drafting straight into the IDF through regular channels, joining a religious Garin, or receiving a religious exemption.
Religious females drafting into the IDF through standard protocols are entitled to certain rights pertaining to their religious status. After declaring their religious status at the standard Tzav Rishon (enlistment interview) they will be granted the following benefits:
• Permission to wear a skirt
• The option to serve in a comfortable environment, in regards to males
• Food that meets the desired standard of Kashrut (or ability to bring one’s own)
• Respect for all religious needs
Aluma is a non-profit organization which provides support for religious women in all aspects of their service in the IDF. Religious women should be in touch with them as they move through the draft process.
https://www.aluma.org.il/
There is the option to join a Garin through a religious program such as Hadas Chu”l/Midrashit Chu”l at Midreshet Lindenbaum or Ein Hanatziv. These programs mix a year of learning with army service in specific pre-arranged units where it is easiest to keep up the religious lifestyle. These programs require Hebrew fluency to be accepted.
Hadas Chu”l and Midrashit Chu”l at Midreshet Lindenbaum High-Level Judaic Studies combined with Service in The IDF for Post-High School, Orthodox Young Women from Abroad
Hadas Chul – Click here for more information and the application
A post-high school Beit Midrash program, Hadas Chul is a track in the Israeli Hadas program at Midreshet Lindenbaum for orthodox young women from abroad who wish to serve in the IDF, either as Machal volunteers or as new immigrants. Participants receive full personal support in the drafting process and then throughout their service.
A knowledge of Hebrew, equivalent to intermediate level of Ulpan, is required.
• Ein Hanatziv – Located at a religous kibbutz in the north of the country, Midreshet Ein Hanatziv offers the ability to study torah and draft as a garin.
It is possible for religious girls to get an exemption from serving in the IDF on religious grounds. One can start the process of getting a Ptor (exemption)before or after receiving their Tzav Rishon (first draft notice).
Please be aware that the army has gotten stricter about accepting religious girls’ Ptorim from the Rabbanut. The army has the right to question whether somebody is living a religious lifestyle or not and they have the final decision of whether or not to draft someone into the IDF. The army can invite anyone for an interview and has the legal right not to accept the letter from the Rabbanut.
Those that receive a religious exemption still have the option to do Sherut Leumi (National Service) if they so desire. This involves volunteering for a year or two through one of the Sherut Leumi organizations at one of their approved locations.
For a step-by-step guide to the process on receiving a ptor, feel free to read our full article on the subject here