Once again, the Parsha delivers the most relevant message of the week. In this Parsha, Shoftim, the Torah outlines the laws regarding exemptions from going to war. Specifically, three categories of people are excused: someone who has built a new house and not yet dedicated it, someone who has planted a vineyard and not yet enjoyed its fruits, and someone who has engaged a woman but not yet married her. This is followed by an exemption for those who are fearful and fainthearted (Dvarim 20:5-8).
Above surface, these exemptions seem practical, providing an opportunity for individuals to fulfill major life milestones before risking their lives in battle. However, a deeper look reveals that these laws are connected to the very essence and purpose of life, especially in the context of living in the Land of Israel.
The Torah’s vision for life in Israel is one that is deeply rooted in the values of continuity, stability, and growth. The three exemptions reflect foundational aspects of human life: forming a family, creating a home, and sustaining oneself through work. These are not just individual aspirations, but also the building blocks of a thriving society.
The exemption from war for these individuals emphasizes the Torah’s prioritization of life, growth, and continuity over destruction and loss. War, while sometimes necessary, is not an ideal. The ideal is to build, to plant, and to nurture life. By exempting those who are engaged in these essential activities, the Torah teaches that the ultimate goal of life is not to conquer or destroy but to create and sustain.
In the context of our homeland, this message is particularly powerful. The Jewish people were given the Land of Israel not merely as a place to reside but as a place to fulfill their unique mission in the world—to create a society based on justice, compassion, and the sanctification of life. The exemptions from war remind us that our primary role in the land is to build and nurture life, both physically and spiritually.
This deep connection between the Torah’s laws and the essence of life highlights the profound responsibility that comes with living in Israel. It is a call to prioritize creation, growth, and the continuity of the Jewish people. War is sometimes necessary to protect these values, but it is always secondary to the greater mission of building a society that reflects Hashem’s presence in the world.
A few months ago we had the great Zchut to travel to Israel for my sister’s wedding, for the second time this year!
This picture was taken right next to my parent’s house. May all of Am Israel keep celebrating only Simchas and life.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yiska Guberman and the JET Team
