Rabbi Howard Morrison

If there is such a thing as a Jewish approach to warfare ethics, it originates in this week's Torah portion of Shoftim  - chapter 20. While the Talmud and especially the writings of Maimonides in the 12^th century go into great detail about the rules governing commanded and optional wars, the basics start in this week's Torah lesson.

Here a few observations: When knowing that the purpose of the war is divinely just, one is not to be afraid. If an individual is truly afraid about entering battle, he would be sent back home so that his fears would not diminish the morale of the troops. In addition, one who has not completed the process of establishing his home, marrying his intended spouse, and not yet harvesting his new vineyard, he would be sent home. These examples of starting a new home, family, and livelihood are considered central to the psyche and value system of our people. Subsequently, when the people find themselves in a war situation, the first prerequisite is to try to establish peace, which is always the preferred option. In a war situation, one is not allowed to destroy fruit bearing trees, which are innocent sources of life. In addition, these trees are comparable to non-combatant civilians who must be spared at all costs. In any siege, an opening has to be left for innocent civilians to escape.

Consider the rules found in Parshat Shoftim in relation to the war with Hamas which sadly is going on two years soon. Nobody wants peace more than the Jewish people. Remarkably, even during war time, Israeli society continues to flourish with weddings, renewed life, innovations in technology, medicine, and other fields. Israel does its best to warn and advise the civilian population which is abused by Hamas, who hides cowardly among them. What other nation concerns itself with any sense of ethics during war, and in Israel's case with a terrorist enemy?

The Torah underscores the potential reality of war, which we never ever want to have. However, even in war, our tradition provides rules and ethics for maintaining justice and compassion in near impossible situations.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison