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Our Sedra, however, lists 3 legitimate exemptions from joining the battle (there is a dispute as to whether this applies only to an optional war, or also to an obligatory war). The exemptions for staying home are:
If one built a house but had not yet lived in it; if one planted a vineyard & had not yet availed himself of its produce; if one had betrothed a woman but had not yet actually married her. These are elemental milestones in one’s life which Hashem, in His infinite kindness, does not want us to miss out on.
The Torah then goes on to list another category: If one is frightened or soft-hearted he, too may be sent away from the battle. Rashi brings two very different approaches: Rabbi Akiva says this refers to one who cannot bear the sight of blood & risks demoralizing his fellow soldiers. Rav Yosi Haglili differs; he says it refers to one who is afraid that he has sinned, & so is filled with anxiety and concern that that Hashem will not protect him in the war.
Rav Yosi adds an amazing postscript: The first three categories of exemption, he says, are only provided so as to give the sinner a pretext as to why he is withdrawing from the army; he can blame it on the other reasons, so no one will know why he really is leaving!
The implications of Rav Yosi’s comments are stunning. On the one hand, it demonstrates the high value we place on not shaming another, even to the extent that we create a subterfuge so that he may avoid embarrassment. At the same time, Rav Yosi is telling us that, in reality, there is no "good" reason to refrain from joining ones’ comrades in arms in times of crisis; only negative reasons.
As for Rabbi Akiva, who most exemplified the concept of talmidei chachamim fighting the holy battles of Hashem, why does he not allow for the concept of a person being scared of his having sinned? Writes the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The very fact that one is worried about his actions is in itself a form of teshuva & enough of a reason for G-d to forgive his indiscretions & so protect him in battle!
Let us pray that our spiritual merit enables us to maintain the peace & avoid war. But if, G-d forbid, the time comes when we must fight, let us have the strength to do so without any fear or self-doubt.
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
