Policy Paper on Jewish Tradition in Warfare, Weddings, and the Future of Our People
I. Introduction
Jewish tradition, interwoven with themes of survival, resilience, and the divine covenant, has guided our people through thousands of years of trials, triumphs, and tribulations. Two central elements of Jewish identity—weddings and warfare—reflect our historical and theological imperatives. The marriage covenant, deeply rooted in the mandate to “be fruitful and multiply,” ensures the perpetuation of the Jewish people. Meanwhile, Jewish tradition on warfare, dating back to biblical times, emphasizes both divine protection and strategic defense.
In this policy paper, we explore the intersection of Jewish traditions of warfare and marriage in the modern context, particularly as they relate to ensuring the survival and growth of the Jewish people. Furthermore, we will address how events like the Exodus, the search for a new “Canaan,” and modern geopolitical realities such as NATO’s involvement in Ukraine shape Jewish military and demographic strategies.
II. Jewish Weddings: Foundation of a People
The Jewish wedding ceremony is not merely a celebration of love between two individuals; it is a sacred contract between them and the Jewish people. The Torah commands Jews to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), linking marriage directly to the future of the Jewish nation. The imagery of countless offspring, “like the stars in the sky” (Genesis 15:5), is at the heart of this imperative, calling on Jewish families to ensure the continuity and expansion of their people.
Jewish rabbis have long emphasized the centrality of family to the survival of the nation. The Talmud elaborates that every child born into a Jewish family is not just an individual but a “builder of worlds,” contributing to the eternal legacy of the Jewish people. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik noted, “Marriage in Judaism is the creation of a new reality—the Jewish family—that connects past, present, and future.” In this context, weddings are a vital aspect of demographic strength, binding each generation to a historical continuum that began with the Patriarchs.
Policy Consideration: To ensure demographic growth and the spiritual strengthening of the Jewish people, we must encourage policies that support Jewish families. This includes promoting marriage within the faith, offering community support for child-rearing, and ensuring that the Jewish education system instills values rooted in tradition and history. Programs that help young couples marry and start families should be central to any national strategy for preserving Jewish identity.
III. Jewish Warfare Tradition: From Biblical Commandments to Modern Defense
Jewish tradition in warfare is ancient and complex, drawing from both the divine commandments of the Torah and the need for pragmatic defense in a hostile world. The Torah’s command to wage war on certain nations—such as the Canaanites—is rooted in a theological belief that the Jewish people are bound to the Land of Israel through divine covenant (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). This also serves as the foundation for the idea that wars for the defense of the Jewish people and the Promised Land are not merely acts of survival but fulfill a higher purpose.
Rabbinic thought on warfare has evolved over the centuries. Medieval rabbis, such as Maimonides, categorized wars into two types: milchemet mitzvah (commanded war) and milchemet reshut (optional war). Wars of defense, including the defense of Jewish lives and sovereignty, are considered mitzvah, meaning they are obligatory for the Jewish people. In modern times, this concept has provided a theological foundation for the defense of the State of Israel.
Today, as the Jewish people face new security challenges, from Iran’s nuclear ambitions to anti-Semitic violence in Europe and America, the tradition of warfare as a defensive and sacred obligation remains relevant. Furthermore, the modern geopolitical landscape, especially with NATO’s involvement in Ukraine, highlights the importance of alliances and military readiness.
Policy Consideration: To ensure the survival and security of the Jewish people, modern military strategy must balance traditional Jewish values with contemporary realities. This includes maintaining strong defense forces, forming strategic alliances, and developing fallback locations for Jewish communities globally in case of new threats. In this context, the lessons of Jewish military history—particularly the importance of strategic retreat and regrouping—must be applied. Exodus moments in history have shown that temporary displacement, followed by a return to strength, is a recurring theme for the Jewish people.
IV. The Exodus as a Model of Resilience and Renewal
The story of the Exodus, with its themes of liberation, divine intervention, and journey toward the Promised Land, is the quintessential narrative of Jewish resilience. Time and again, the Jewish people have faced existential threats, only to emerge stronger through faith, unity, and strategic retreat. The Exodus is not just a historical event but a template for survival and renewal.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his reflections on the Exodus, emphasized that “history is the long and winding road that leads from slavery to freedom, from darkness to light.” This journey is not just about physical liberation but about spiritual renewal and the promise of a better future.
Throughout Jewish history, “Exodus moments” have occurred repeatedly: the Babylonian exile, the destruction of the Second Temple, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Holocaust. In each of these periods, the Jewish people were forced to retreat, regroup, and ultimately renew their covenant with God and their destiny as a people.
Policy Consideration: Given this historical precedent, Jewish communities should invest in identifying potential fallback locations and safe havens in times of crisis. This approach is rooted in Jewish history, where the diaspora served as a means of survival during times of persecution. The modern Jewish state should continue to form strategic alliances globally, ensuring that Jewish communities can survive and thrive in hostile environments. At the same time, policies must promote resilience and adaptability, enabling Jewish communities to return to their cultural and spiritual homeland when the time is right.
V. Modern Geopolitical Implications: NATO and Ukraine
The current war in Ukraine and NATO’s involvement have profound implications for Jewish strategic thinking. Ukraine, with its long Jewish history, has once again become a focal point of geopolitical tension. For the Jewish people, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of diaspora communities and the necessity of maintaining strong relationships with global powers.
Rabbinic tradition has long recognized the need for pragmatic alliances in times of war. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, once noted, “A Jew is obligated to be part of the world, to understand its dynamics, and to seek peace, but also to prepare for the defense of his people.” In today’s context, this means engaging with organizations like NATO to ensure that Jewish interests are considered in broader international conflicts.
Policy Consideration: Jewish leaders should advocate for strong diplomatic and military alliances with global powers, particularly in regions where Jewish communities remain vulnerable. At the same time, Jewish military strategy should include contingency planning, ensuring that Jewish communities in conflict zones like Ukraine can be evacuated or protected when necessary. The lessons of the past, including the use of temporary safe havens during crises, should inform modern strategies for Jewish defense.
VI. Conclusion: A Covenant for the Future
The Jewish people are bound by a covenant that demands both demographic growth and military readiness. As our forefathers were promised, we are destined to multiply “like the stars in the sky” (Genesis 15:5) and to defend our people with both divine guidance and strategic acumen. The Exodus, with its lessons of resilience and renewal, continues to serve as a guidepost for how we approach the challenges of today and tomorrow.
In the face of modern threats—both military and demographic—the Jewish people must draw on their rich tradition of family, faith, and defense. By fostering strong families, maintaining robust military alliances, and learning from our history of Exodus moments, we can ensure that the Jewish people will not only survive but thrive in the years to come.
Strategic Recommendations:
- Encourage Family Growth: Provide community and governmental support for marriage and child-rearing among Jewish families.
- Strengthen Defense Capabilities: Maintain a strong Jewish military presence and establish strategic alliances, particularly with NATO and other global powers.
- Develop Fallback Locations: Identify potential safe havens and fallback locations for Jewish communities in times of crisis.
- Foster Global Alliances: Ensure that Jewish interests are protected in global conflicts through diplomatic engagement and alliance-building.
- Promote Resilience and Renewal: Apply the lessons of the Exodus by emphasizing the importance of adaptability and long-term renewal for Jewish survival.
Through this approach, we fulfill both the spiritual and strategic imperatives that have guided our people since ancient times.
This policy paper integrates Jewish traditions, biblical mandates, and modern military strategy, drawing on lessons from history and rabbinic thought to frame a path forward for Jewish survival and growth.
INTEL KARTEL 
Hozzászólás