YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: It is good that you realize that guns not only protect but also can cause danger to its owners and their surroundings. We of course are not experts in the tradeoffs for each specific case, but will try to provide a general Torah perspective. Torah Judaism is often based on finding the critical balance, and we start with your well-chosen sources. Although the Shulchan Aruch (427:8) says literally to remove and guard from any "stumbling block that can endanger a life," we are not actually commanded to remove the dangerous things , but to manage them properly so that the danger is removed or sufficiently limited. Roofs and pits are dangerous, but they serve purposes; therefore, the roofs are to be fenced and the pits covered (ibid. 7). One may own and use oxen, but they must be guarded when proven necessary (see Shemot 21:29).
The Torah requires Jews to be prepared to protect each other. including from attacking enemies or bandits (see Rambam’s Sefer Hamitzvot, Lo Ta’aseh 297; Yereim 196). One is allowed to use force even to repel a burglar, even though this could cause the death of either the burglar or the homeowner (see Rashi to Shemot 22:1; Magen Avraham 329:5). To make this feasible, the average person needs a weapon, and every time period has its example. In fact, when Chazal discuss going to repel an attack, it talks about taking weapons, even on Shabbat (Eruvin 45a).
On the other hand, weapons are not glorified in Jewish thought and practice. We find an aversion between things of special sanctity and weapons. Metal could not be used in building the Beit Hamikdash because of its use for swords (Shemot 20:21; Melachim I, 6:7). One should avoid (when possible) having (uncovered) weapons in a shul (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 151:6; Mishna Berura ad loc. 22). Connection to the sword is fundamental to Eisav’s being (Bereishit 27:40), whereas Yaakov was a peace lover who used weapons only as necessary (see ibid. 22 and ibid. 32:8-9 with Rashi).
The main difference between the prohibition of having a dangerous animal and the permissibility of having weapons is that the animal is liable to act without its owner’s approval, whereas a person is presumed to use his weapons properly until proven otherwise. Also, even dangerous animals are permitted, based on special need (a dangerous location) and/or precautions (always tied up) (Bava Kama 83a; Shulchan Aruch, CM 409:3).
This does not mean that it is wise for any given individual to possess guns. Accidents occur, guns can be stolen, and their presence can "up the ante" of a conflict. Some prefer more defensive precautions, e.g., pepper spray, connectivity with security services. But the weighing of plusses and minuses depend on the time and place, as well as the individual’s circumstances, skill, and training.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
621 - Ask the Rabbi: Watching a Bar Mitzva Videoed on Shabbat
622 - Ask the Rabbi: Owning Guns
623 - Ask the Rabbi: Taking a Different Object than Lost
Load More
While we leave the details to experts, we agree that the safety of Jewish communities and individuals may be enhanced by more access to firearms than in the past. An individual should consider his specifics to determine whether he is best served by having a gun.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
