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When Do You Have to Fight?

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When Do You Have to Fight?

It’s best to walk away from a fight. Except when the enemy threatens one’s holiest possession. (Parsha Perks | Beshalach | with Dr Michael Chighel)

Topics:

Splitting of the Sea, Amalek, Battle with, War, Beshalach

By Michael Chighel

Michael Chighel (Kigel) received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Toronto for his dissertation on the Book of Job, after a specialization in 20th-century French and German thought. In Canada he taught in the departments of philosophy and of Jewish studies at the universities of York, Queen’s and Waterloo. He produced Passages and Messages for eleven seasons on Canadian television (CTS). Until this year he held the Rohr Chair of Jewish Studies at the Lauder Business School in Vienna, where he taught Torah, European ethics and political economy. He has translated a number of books and published various articles in Jewish thought. Michael and his family have made aliyah, and now live in Jerusalem.

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7 Comments

Jack Dangler Harpers Ferry January 15, 2022

Rabbi - Not sure if you're going for Alabama or Georgia (or a bad W.C.Fields!). Really enjoyed the video! I would agree that anyone that would attempt to keep us from the Torah should be summarily dealt with. It would take a high degree of wisdom in this day and age to discern that as the root reason for the particular confrontation,though. Can you think of a modern day scenario that would provide an example of this (other than, of course, your asking the question "are you preventing me from access to the Torah?" and getting a response of "yes!") ... Reply

Hadassah Texas February 4, 2023

in response to Jack Dangler:

Dear Jack: I would ask myself “is this preventing me from access?”. IOW, is this issue/situation/problem etc (Amelek) causing doubt or unbelief in my life? Am I moving on trust in Hashem here or is my faith waning? If so, that’s blocking my access! I must fight! If not, Hashem will do battle for me as I call out to Him (not complaining but in prayer!).
Michael’s vids are 🤩 amazing.
B”H
Hadassah Reply

Matthew Morrison Brunswick January 26, 2021

I think that you are being overly simplistic in the analysis. Throwout the History of Isreal, HaShem has directly fought for Isreal (horse and his rider and rocket "cast into the sea. " ) and raise up leaders to lead Isreal in war. (Moses and Bibi) The American Army said it right, Pray for peace, prepare for war. " Reply

Mark Fiddler Mississippi January 26, 2021

Thank you, and.... what a beautiful gal! Way to go, Chighel team! Reply

Eleanor Skibo Pennsylvania, USA February 9, 2020

I don’t want or like to fight, since it’s upsetting to all parties and sometimes does more damage to the relationships instead of bringing about any type of good or resolutions. However, I’m the type of person, who minds her own affairs, doesn’t enjoy gossiping and usually has very little time for small chit chat. But if someone or more than one person steps over my boundary line then
I’m in the ring; I’m not with boxing gloves, but I’m with a whole list of facts and truths why they shouldn’t stepped over the line. I usually try to give them a kind warning, if there’s such a thing, first, then if they pursue I’m going in to prove my point. Especially when the involvement concerns my self, my family, my home, any thing of real importance to me. Some people just don’t know how, when, or where, or even why they should stop. And if you allow them to take a inch they’ll probably begin to take feet. My motto is it’s always best to walk away, but there’re times when you just can’t. Reply

Jack Dangler Harpers Ferry January 15, 2022

in response to Eleanor Skibo:

I applaud your diplomacy, but urge you to look into 'situational awareness'. As a combat veteran, I come from the polar opposite of diplomacy, but it all begins with being aware of your situation. If a scenario begins to take shape and you can see it coming then, yes, by all means,B''H get out of the way. Walking away is always the better decision, since we don't know who we are about to engage, but we do have permission to defend ourselves. So, if you cannot walk away, make sure you understand the degree to which you are being threatened and respond accordingly. May Hashem continue to keep you safe and light your path. Reply

Natalie Meyerhoff California February 6, 2020

Great videos This is phenomenal, thank you for these great videos. They are both very informative and entertaining. Great acting, great actors and actresses. Thank you for doing this. Baruch Hashem. Reply

When Do You Have to Fight?

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