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Divine Support in Battle
TANAKH
The Torah emphasizes that victory in battle and the taking of captives are facilitated by divine intervention and support. In Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah, Moses delivers his final speeches, reminding the Israelites of their history and laws, and emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God, particularly in the context of warfare.
Stalin's Miscalculation and the Birth of Israel
COMMENTARY
Stalin's strategic miscalculation in supporting Zionism to undermine British influence in the Middle East had profound implications for the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This contemporary analysis delves into the geopolitical dynamics and international relations that shaped the early military successes of Israel.
The Tragedy of the King’s Mountain
TALMUD
A seemingly trivial incident involving a rooster and a hen led to the catastrophic destruction of Tur Malka (King’s Mountain). The Talmudic tractate Gittin recounts this dramatic narrative, detailing the heroics and downfall of bar Deroma, the emperor's reaction, and the ultimate massacre of the inhabitants.
The Ethics of Risk in War
HALAKHAH
Jewish law does not obligate an individual to risk their own life to eliminate a rodef (pursuer) or to engage in battle to deliver Israel from an enemy. Rabbi J. David Bleich, a contemporary halakhic authority, explores the ethical implications of risking one's life in the context of war and the principle of rodef.
Gog and Magog Showdown
CHASIDUT
The prophetic battle of Gog and Magog is a key element in Jewish eschatology, symbolizing the final conflict before the Messianic era. This text delves into the prophetic and eschatological aspects of war, particularly focusing on the future battle involving Gog and Magog as described in the Hebrew Bible.
Rabbi Akiva and the Bar Kokhba Rebellion
JEWISH THOUGHT
Rabbi Akiva's support for the Bar Kokhba rebellion and his subsequent martyrdom highlight the profound personal and historical stakes involved in the Jewish revolt against Roman rule. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his Haggadah, delves into the historical context of the Bar Kokhba rebellion and Rabbi Akiva's involvement, providing a rich narrative for the Passover Seder.
Jerusalem's Internal Chaos Unveiled
MIDRASH
During the Roman siege of Jerusalem by Vespasian Kaiser in 70 CE, a period that culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple, internal strife and decisions within the city contributed to its downfall. Ein Yaakov recounts the actions of three wealthy men who tried to support the besieged city and the subsequent actions of the rebels, which ultimately led to the city's demise.
Compassionate Exemptions in War
MISHNAH
The Torah provides compassionate exemptions for soldiers, allowing those who are fearful or have committed sins to leave the battlefield without shame. The Mishnah, a foundational Jewish legal text from around 200 CE, discusses these exemptions based on Deuteronomy 20:8.
Ethical Treatment of Female Prisoners of War
MUSAR
The Torah provides specific guidelines for the ethical treatment and potential marriage of female prisoners of war. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, elaborates on Commandment 532, based on Deuteronomy 21:10-14.
The Ultimate Sacrifice for Freedom
SECOND TEMPLE
The extreme measures taken by individuals to maintain their freedom and dignity, culminating in a collective act of self-sacrifice rather than surrendering to their enemies, is a powerful testament to the value placed on freedom. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, provides a gripping account of the mass suicide at Masada, symbolizing Jewish resistance against Roman oppression.
Miracles of the Hasmonean Revolt
LITURGY
The Hasmonean revolt against the Greeks is a powerful story of divine intervention and miraculous deliverance. The Amidah prayer, recited during Shabbat morning services, recounts the Maccabean Revolt and the miracle of Chanukah, celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple.
The Heroism of Sabinus
SECOND TEMPLE
The extraordinary bravery and heroism of Sabinus, a seemingly weak soldier, shone through as he displayed remarkable courage and fortitude in battle, ultimately sacrificing his life in a valiant but tragic effort. Josephus, a Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, a pivotal moment in Jewish history that led to the destruction of the Second Temple.
The Battle of Carchemish
TANAKH
The defeat of Pharaoh Neco's army by King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon is a pivotal historical event that marked a significant shift in power in the ancient Near East. The Book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text from the period leading up to the First Temple’s destruction, provides a detailed account of this battle and its implications.
The Strategic Significance of Lachish
COMMENTARY
Lachish was a key city in ancient Judea, frequently mentioned in the Tanakh and central to many significant battles. Tamar Weissman’s work delves into the historical and strategic importance of Lachish, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in ancient Judean warfare.
Exemptions in Times of War
GUIDES
The criteria for military exemptions in Jewish law reveal deep ethical considerations about warfare. Adin Steinsaltz, a modern commentator, elucidates the Babylonian Talmud’s discussion on which types of wars warrant specific exemptions from military service.
The Self-Destructive Nature of War
TARGUM
The Targum Jonathan highlights how nations engaged in constant warfare neglect the study of the law, leading to their own destruction. This Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible reflects Jewish thought on the self-destructive nature of war and the importance of Torah study.
Mystical Warfare
KABBALAH
The Zohar provides a mystical perspective on the methods and strategies of warfare, emphasizing their spiritual significance. This foundational Kabbalistic text, attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, delves into the esoteric aspects of warfare, including the use of various weapons and strategic approaches.
Sela of the Bar Kokhba Revolt from Judea (Roman province) 134/135 CE, Gift of the Samuel Friedenberg Collection, The Jewish Museum, New York.
Sela of the Bar Kokhba Revolt from Judea (Roman province) 134/135 CE, Gift of the Samuel Friedenberg Collection, The Jewish Museum, New York.
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