The Rogatchover Gaon and the Army Exemption Card

At times in Russian history, there was mandatory conscription into the national army. However, for the right price, one was able to purchase a “Get Out of the Army” card. At some point, this program, which was officially sanctioned by the government, ended. However, the government declared that anyone who had previously purchased this army exemption may still use it. Furthermore, the cards were not restricted for use by the original purchaser; the right was transferable to a new owner. Therefore, the price for these exemption cards on the open market skyrocketed as they were becoming exceedingly rare and were no longer offered for sale by the government.

A man with several sons owned one such exemption card. He passed away with instructions that the exemption card should go to his youngest son. One can possibly conjecture that this was the weakest son and the father thought he most needed the exemption. The family followed the father’s wishes and gave the exemption card to the youngest brother.

When it came time for the young man to present himself to the army for conscription, he did not immediately present the card. Instead, he submitted to an army physical. Indeed, he failed the physical and was freed from his army obligation. The enterprising young man, realizing his windfall, attempted to sell the now superfluous exemption card on the open market. His brothers, however, argued that the profits should be split evenly. They argued that the card was only offered for his personal use and not as an added inheritance. The youngest brother reasoned while that may have been the intent, once it was given to him it was his to dispense with as he saw fit.