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The goal of Judaism and Jewish life is the achievement of personal and national peace and harmony. Yet the Torah does not advocate radical pacifism. The Torah provides for the concept of milchemet mitzvah - a war that is an absolute necessity such as the war against Amalek (the epitome of evil incarnate in Torah terms) or a war of self-defense and self-preservation. The Torah also provides for wars that are titled milchemet reshut - wars that are permissible even if on the surface the war is not currently deemed necessary in the eyes of many. The Torah does not provide a guide as how to conduct the wars. It does allow for the complete destruction of evil such as Amalek and there are also provisions for making peace and accommodation with the enemy before the beginning of hostilities. But once the war begins there apparently is little room for a humane war, simply because there is no such animal. And the criticism of outsiders that these types of wars are unjustified because they are somehow not humane is unrealistic if not completely cruel and unwarranted. The Torah is not blind to the existence of evil in this world. It teaches that evil must be countered and fought. Since evil fights its battles in an evil fashion - certainly not in a humane fashion by any definition of the term - fighting a war against evil inevitably must fall short of being a humane war. That is simply the harsh reality of living in this imperfect, dangerous and mostly evil world.
The Torah nevertheless impresses upon us that war takes its spiritual and moral toll, even on the side that is justified in resorting to armed conflict to save itself and its way of life. King David, probably the most famous and justified warrior in Jewish history and who finally vanquished Israel’s enemies in the Land of Israel after four hundred years of conflict there, nevertheless was not allowed to build the Holy Temple in Jerusalem because of his participation in wars. Wars are necessary at times but they are never pleasant or humane. There is therefore always a penalty involved in having been engaged in fighting wars. But there are many things and situations in life that are a lose-lose situation. Then the choice is what is the greater loss and what will be the minimum loss involved. In the struggle against evil that always threatens to engulf us the lesser evil is always to confront it and defeat it. The confrontation will never meet the artificial constructs of being humane in conducting a war to outsiders or to pious pacifists, many of whom have built-in prejudices to begin with. We should always attempt to be careful not to become a cruel people. The Torah promises us that even though we will have to engage in wars, the Lord will send to you the capacity for mercy so that you will never become a cruel people. And I imagine that is the most that can be expected in the conduct of war - as humanely as possible.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
