War in Jewish Tradition

Sure there are lots of wars in the Bible- but what does Judaism teach about War? Some caveats- From 70 C.E. ( actually 6 C.E. when Romans take over) until 1948 all Jewish law in this area was theoretical Bible itself recognizes that Joshua’s War of Conquest is an “idealized” portrayal of Israelite history

What would you do? It’s 1967, you are Yizhak Rabin, Israel’s Commander in Chief. Israeli is under a blockade and the armies of the surrounding Arab countries are amassing. Do you make a first strike?

What would you do ? Its 1972 you are graduating from high school and need to register for the draft. You are opposed to the War in Vietnam, but can you convince the draft board that you should qualify as a conscientious objector.

What would you do? You are the board of Congregation Shir Hadash the last Reform congregation having a board meeting before the 2005 Biennial of the Union for Reform Judaism. A resolution on the war in Iraq would need to be voted on by your board to be discussed at the biennial. Is there war in Iraq justified under Jewish law? Should the United States begin a process of disengagement? The War In Iraq Submitted by the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, Congregation Shir Hadash of Los Gatos, California…. to the 68th Union for Reform Judaism General Assembly BACKGROUND The war in Iraq is clearly one of the most challenging moral issues facing America….

Three Basic Rabbinic Principles “Your life and the life of your brother- your life takes precedence” The Rodef, Pursuer “If your brother rises up against you…..” Whose blood is redder ( Third Party)

Biblical Categories Mandatory Wars 7 nations Amalek Defense Discretionary Wars By King Not everyone required to fight All agree that first two categories of mandatory wars no longer exist \

Discretionary Wars To Further Country’s Interests Fighting a longstanding enemy, but one which is not attacking at the moment Called by King, not commanded by God HIGHLY LIMITED King must consult the Sanhedrin Many people exempt from serving

What about pre-emptive actions? Rashi-discretionary Meiri-mandatory If against an enemy who it is feared might attack or who is known to preparing for war (“amassing an attack”) If an enemy has blockaded your trading routes If an enemy has taken your people captive If an enemy has attacked your ally

General concern- Kings too ready to go to war King interested in enhancing his prestige, consolidating power, stimulating economy v. Sanhedrin’s concern for safeguarding citizenry from being forced to jeopardize their lives Considerations on both sides: Chance of Success, Likely loss of lives on both sides

Ethical Constraints in Warfare Deuteronomy: Exemptions from military service for the engaged, those with new homes, the fearful Offering peace (surrender)before attack Limitations on taking property and people Limitations on defoliation and destruction Prescriptions on treatment of captive women

Israeli Army: A Special Case? Taharat HaNeshek-Purity of Arms 1. Preventing misuse of weapons 2. Using minimum force against combatants 3. Preventing casualties to civilians 4. Appropriate care of prisoners 5. Resisting dehumanization and demonization of enemy citizenry 6. Dealing with Criminal Orders 7. Equalizing the burden of military service on the whole of the population

What would you do? It’s 1967, you are Yizhak Rabin, Israel’s Commander in Chief. Israeli is under a blockade and the armies of the surrounding Arab countries are amassing. Do you make a first strike?

What would you do ? Its 1972 you are graduating from high school and need to register for the draft. You are opposed to the War in Vietnam, but can you convince the draft board that you should qualify as a conscientious objector.

What would you do? You are the board of Congregation Shir Hadash the last Reform congregation having a board meeting before the 2005 Biennial of the Union for Reform Judaism. A resolution on the war in Iraq would need to be voted on by your board to be discussed at the biennial. Is there war in Iraq justified under Jewish law? Should the United States begin a process of disengagement? The War In Iraq Submitted by the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, Congregation Shir Hadash of Los Gatos, California…. to the 68th Union for Reform Judaism General Assembly BACKGROUND The war in Iraq is clearly one of the most challenging moral issues facing America….