Opponents

means remain in awe. In doing this, I am able to be thankful and joyful and these two things dispel all fear.

I find it hard to increase my fear of G-d, since, I've always been taught that G-d was loving to those who "followed His Commandments and studied Torah". Your comment is more esoteric than you realize. Now I'm really confused!

Now this I understand, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman.
Thank you!
Chanuka sameach!

In a village in Hungary, 2000 Jews allowed themselves to be cowed and watch a torture by a couple dozen Hungarian nazis. Why ? Because the nazis had guns.

Hundreds of thousands of Incas allowed the same fate to a few dozen Spanish conquistadors. Why ? Because they had guns.

There is a time for the commandment/mitzvah thou shall not kill. But there is a time to face physical fear in the face, and atatck, whether premeditated or reflex. Sometimes there is no time to think, but to act automatically without any thought to consequence because to think twice is gravely erroneous.

Were the Warsaw Ghetto resistance fighters religious ? Were the kibbutzniks who survived the Holocaust religious ?

This is not an argument. It is information and questions.

Dispel the fear and they have no power.

Love this 16 word suggestion.

To me it means confront fear.

But then, I am somewhat confrontational by nature. One's best trait can be their weakest/Achilles.

Some are remarkable for diplomacy, and i applaud them. i choose not to be diplomatic in matters of fear. More like an attitude of fight to the death, all in , be 100 % invested in the fight.

On that note, have a Great Shabbos and moreover, a fabulous Chanukah. How timely. The Maccabees are one of my favourite response stories. Maybe my favourite. But then i tend to say that about so many figures and stories in our rich heritage. And so there are hundreds of Jewish heroes, past and present. Who could forget Moses, Moses Maimonides, or Abba Eban ?

Does this apply equally to the "good guys" and the "bad guys" ?

The point is not to fear but to be aware of your enemy's power, then knowing the reason for your fear you can elevate your soul and ask G-d for guidance. There is a wonderful conference on Chabad Jewish TV entitled: Esau Kissed Jacob by Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin. Rabbi Aaron explains in detail Jacob's reasons for his fear.

Wow!