President Barack Obama surprised the peace community and many in the Nobel Prize audience yesterday when he spoke of how evil does exist in this world, negotiation is not always the answer (although obviously preferable) and that there is such a thing as “just war.”

Students of theology know that “just war” theories are not new to either Judaism or Christianity. (I’m admittedly ignorant of the thinking in Islam and welcome some input – beyond the crass stereotypes of “live and die by the sword,” which is akin to saying that Jews must follow the biblical law that says Shabbat violaters should be stoned to death. Haven’t done that one lately, have we?)

When it comes to us Jews, there are actually two major kinds of wars that are discussed – ones that are “obligatory”, which includes self-defense and recapturing the Land of Israel (milchemet chovah or milchemet mitzvah) or ones that are optional (milchemet reshut). Thus, war is permitted and understood as sometimes being necessary.

The question is the definition. When is one acting in self-defense? When does one have to recapture the Land of Israel (whose borders are heavily debated – and no, I don’t think Gaza is part of it and likely not the Golan Heights as well – get ready for the criticism!) When does going to war – despite the biblical/Talmudic imperative to reconquer the Land of Israel—bring more harm than good?

It’s easy to put this in modern terms regarding Israel’s dilemma, as well as that of the United States. That’s just what President Obama did. In large part, I think (and hope) we’re seeing a different, more realistic Obama emerge in recent weeks as his administration begins accepting the all-too-clear notion that the Iranian nuclear threat is real and – based in recent history – sanctions must be harsh and backed up by the real threat of imminent military action.

For more on Judaism and just war, check out this paper by Jewish scholar Rabbi Dr. Marc Gopin, who is in the conflict resolution field: http://crdc.gmu.edu/docs/j_limitsofwar_and_cr.html

Then there’s the one by my former congregation rabbi in Atlanta, Michael Broyde (a true gaon (genius) in my view): http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/war2.html .

A final note:

I found it particularly compelling to hear such talk on the eve of Chanukah, which starts at sundown tonight. While we often wax on about both the miracle and the fight for freedom, we don’t want to address the nasty side of this also being a civil war that pitted Jews against Jews. In fact, years ago in Atlanta my good friend Rabbi Lou Feldstein and I used to debate whether it was good to celebrate Chanukah due to this militaristic and internecine aspect of the holiday. (We decided that it was the right thing to do – and that it was not akin to a modern Reform/Orthodox split because in ancient days the Hellenizers actually were trying to end Judaism, not “reform” or “conserve” its nature.”)

Your thoughts on any of the above?

Chag sameach!

JEWS SUPPORTING OBAMA ARE LIKE KAPOS

The kapos in the concentration camps were Jews
who turned on their fellow Jews, in exchange for
special favors. Obama and his administration, have
consistently thrown Isreal under the bus, while
campaigning for contributions from wealthy American
Jews. The kapos were motivated by sheer survival,
the American Jews who support obama,
are motivated by greed, power,
and what’s fashionable ... even though they are being
used like pawns by obama. All Jews should rally their
support, and resources behind whoever runs against
obama !!!