Times of War

By Rabbi Yosef Serebryanski

Host of 'The Truth of Words Matter' - 70 Nations Broadcast Network

(Deuteronomy 21:10) “When you go out to war on your enemy, and Hashem your God gives him into your hand, and you return from him those (captives) who need to be returned.” The root of the Hebrew word for captives here is shov -return. It is therefore saying to restore those who need to be returned to their origin whether physically or spiritually or both.

Everything has a way that it exists or is expressed, and each matter has a limitation. My grandfather told me that “everything has a limitation and if you don’t know the limitation then you do not understand it.” By knowing the limitations as well as the ability of each matter then you also know how and when to properly apply it.

Belief, freedom, and structure all have limitations that at times can become destructive or constrictive. Looking for, and finding, balance needs to be a constant focus and awareness in the journey of our lives. It takes extreme strength of character to discipline oneself to be intellectually and emotionally honest. Living with a pure heart requires undeniable belief and faith in the Creator’s power without needing to understand the Creator’s purpose. The two achievements should be interactive with each other. The ability to achieve one without the other causes imbalance to continue to flourish in this existence.

The Torah (Deuteronomy chapter 23) talks about certain types of relationships that we should not have due to their extreme negativity. Not only should you not let them live amongst you but (Deuteronomy 23:7, Ezra 9:13) “Do not seek their peace or goodness all your days forever.” Another way to translate the Hebrew words is “You will bring negativity into yourself if you seek to identify shreds of peace and goodness within them.” The directive is very clear. Acting upon your own instincts, instead of following the explicit will of the Creator, will negatively impact your life. We pray daily for understanding and mercy from the Creator. When we are explicitly directed to deny mercy to certain enemies, we should not assign ourselves permission to make exemptions to that rule.

(23:10) "When the camp goes to war on your enemy you have to be careful from the negativity." (23:15) "Hashem your God moves around in your camp to save you and give your enemies to you, and (when you see and understand this) your camp will be holy etc."

The world is in a constant state of war. History has repeatedly demonstrated that peaceful resolutions directed by people are often temporary. We see certain people whose actions are destructive to society. Conversely, we are grateful for the existence of leaders who encourage positive values within society. This applies in the physical as well as in the spiritual realms. The only eternal and complete solution will occur when all people become aware of and acknowledge the eternal force that gives life to all of existence. When mankind is in tune with that, then all separation, destruction and negativity will cease to exist.

Many current beliefs and structures of mankind are tainted in ways that prevent people from moving in a positive direction. The Torah guides us to be able to identify, and separate ourselves from, destructive behavior. The Torah also teaches us constructive behavior to enable us to properly follow the will of the Creator. When we will become attentive to the Torah’s positive guidance, then the world will be redirected towards the Origin of Life to restore complete balance to all existence.

In the physical realm it takes time to clear all the existing impurities. Similarly, in the spiritual aspects of our lives, it takes time to undo the corruption and restore us to our essence and purity. The work has already begun. Let all of us be mindful and contribute whatever we can. May we have the strength and desire to do what is required to merit the full countenance of the blessings of the Creator on mankind.

Adam and Eve were put in the garden to work it and guard it. We are in this world to work in and look after it according to the guidance from the Creator. May we always have the opportunity (Isaiah 52:7) to report peace, goodness and salvation.