Category Archives: War

Relations with the enemy

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Benedict Roth

Jewish thought usually takes care not to demonize enemies. But Purim might be an exception.  The rabbis connect Haman, the villain, with Amalek, a destructive nation whom we are commanded to exterminate.  Our relationship with Amalek is close to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Purim, Torah, War | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

May Anyone Serve?

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Benedict Roth

What kind of person is qualified to serve in the army?  What qualities should a soldier have? Rabbi Yossi the Galilean, writing nearly two thousand years ago on this week’s Torah portion, gives us a surprising answer to this question.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Talmud, Torah, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments