Secure Your Borders

The Code of Jewish Law rules that if non-Jews mobilize to besiege a Jewish border town – even in the time of Exile, and even in the Diaspora – we are obligated take up arms, even on Shabbos. Not only that, but even if they are only coming to pilfer straw, we must physically deter them, “so that the land should not become open for them to conquer.”

How much more so does this apply to the Land of Israel itself, and to territories that are situated right on the border. And the truth of the matter is that today, anywhere you are in Israel is not far from the border…

“The actions of our forefathers are an instruction for their children” – When Jacob prepared to face Esau, his first line of action was prayer. Then he sent diplomatic gifts – “camels” and the like – inconsequential mundane assets. But then he also readied himself for war. And the verse tells us that it worked. Esau moved on and Jacob and his sons remained in the Holy Land, because his prayer, diplomacy and militarily preparedness together averted war.