“Nation shall not rise up against nation, nor shall they practice war anymore.” Isaiah’s words are in our hearts as we watch the brutal assault on Ukraine by Russia in Putin’s insatiable desire to reassert a Russian empire.
He claims one reason for this attack is to “de-nazify” Ukraine. This is beyond absurd considering President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish and his grandfather fought the Nazis in WWII.
Jews are horrified at the bombing which damaged the memorial of Babyn Yar in Kyiv, where 33,770 Jews were massacred in only two days. Murders totaling over 100,000 continued in this ravine for years, including Jews, Soviet prisoners of war, psychiatric patients and civilians.
At this tragic time, it seems appropriate to discuss what Judaism teaches us about war.
First of all, every effort must be made for a peaceful resolution. The Torah recognizes both “a time of war and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8), but a premium should be placed on avoiding conflict.
“Search for peace and pursue it,”(Psalms 35:15).
Judaism has never extolled pacifism, recognizing that war is sometimes necessary if for a moral cause or in self defense. The Hebrew translation of the 5th commandment actually says “Thou shall not murder.”
After thousands of years of pogroms, massacres and the Holocaust, Jews are keenly aware of the importance of defending against tyrants who wish to utterly destroy an enemy.
However, even in war, the humanity of our enemies must not be ignored. The Talmud teaches that when the Egyptian soldiers were drowning in the Red Sea, God admonished the angels who began to sing, saying they should not rejoice at the death of any of God’s children.
Abraham pleaded with God to not destroy any righteous citizens of Sodom, illustrating that every effort must be made to avoid the killing of innocents.
Both the Torah and Talmud teach that there are rules to follow in war. Along with protecting the innocent, one must take care to not destroy fruit trees, and if a city is under siege, one side must always be left open for people to escape.
Also, certain individuals are exempt from being conscripted for a war.
According to the Torah, the troops are asked beforehand, “Is there anyone who has built a new house but has not dedicated it … or planted a vineyard but has never harvested it … or spoken for a woman in marriage but has not married her … Let him go back home, lest he die in battle … Is there anyone afraid and tender-hearted? Let him go back to his home, lest the courage of his comrades flag like his,” (Deuteronomy 20:5-9).
Another category of those excused from fighting, and anything related to the support of the conflict, is seen in Deuteronomy 24:5: “When a man has taken a bride, he shall not go out with the army or be assigned to it for any purpose; he shall be exempt one year for the sake of his household, to give happiness to the woman he has married.”
The reasons for these exemptions appear to be to remove from the field those who cannot concentrate on the battle.
There is great concern for humanity shown in these rules.
Watching the indiscriminate bombing of Ukrainian cities, including civilian areas, hospitals, orphanages and schools, it is heartbreaking to see the violations of even the most basic rules of war which are accepted today.
Putin is now rightly being investigated as a war criminal, and the world is finally uniting against this barbaric attack. However, that does little to help us who are watching the horrifying images coming out of Ukraine.
History has shown the dangers of ignoring a despot who cares only for power. Sadly, the world remembered those lessons too late for the Ukrainian people. Our government, along with others, are mounting heroic efforts to help Ukraine financially and militarily, but as individuals, we must also do what we can.
Do not fall into the trap of saying it’s not our problem. The Talmud teaches “Those who gladly accept the sufferings of this world are this world’s salvation.”
During WWII, Americans united, sacrificing to support the fight against fascism. We can do the same.
Donate to humanitarian causes which are helping the over 1 million refugees. Show support to companies that are refusing to do business with Russia and do not complain about the rising costs of items here because of sanctions.
Paying more for goods does not compare to the sacrifices Ukrainians are now facing.
The cause of Ukraine’s freedom must be vigorously defended.
Everyone is at risk when we allow a power-hungry dictator like Putin to destroy a democracy, especially in our interconnected world.
God must be weeping along with the world at this travesty.
Let us show the courage and character of the Ukrainians as they put their bodies in front of tanks and their president sits in the trenches with his troops.
Rabbi Hillel’s words are powerful today, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others who am I? And if not now, when?”
Kein yehi ratzon … may it be God’s will. Shalom.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Suzanne DeBey is a lay leader of the Port Angeles Jewish community. Her email is debeyfam@olympus.net.
