12 Facts About Avichai Rontzki

Avichai Rontzki was an Israeli Chief Military Rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces.

Avichai Rontzki served in the position from 2006 to 2010, with a rank of Brigadier General.

Avichai Rontzki was born to a secular Jewish family, and studied at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa.

Avichai Rontzki completed the squad leader course and Officer Candidate School, and returned to the Paratroopers Brigade to serve as a platoon leader and as company Executive officer at the 890 "Efe" paratroop battalion.

Avichai Rontzki studied at Machon Meir and Mercaz HaRav, and was involved with instructing street kids in Jerusalem.

Avichai Rontzki wrote a four-volume army halakhic guide, K'Hitzim B'Yad Gibor.

Avichai Rontzki left behind his wife, six children, and grandchildren.

Avichai Rontzki expanded the "Jewish Awareness Department", which conducts educational activities in IDF combat units.

Avichai Rontzki gave Torah classes in jails, and conducted a tour of Hebron for soldiers in Military Intelligence in which they met with Rabbi Dov Lior.

Avichai Rontzki attempted to force the Israel Army Radio to stop broadcasting on Shabbat to come in line with the standard army order permitting only operational duty on the holy day.

Avichai Rontzki stated that religious troops make better soldiers, and that those who show mercy towards the enemy in wartime will be damned for it.

Avichai Rontzki expressed doubt that women would want to serve the full service as men serve.