Torah’s Mandate: Defend Yourselves!

“The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps” – at all times Jews are protected by G-d. But we are commanded to also take part in our own security.

First and foremost we must strengthen our “spiritual weaponry.” G-d enjoins us: “If you will follow My statutes and observe My commandments…I shall set peace upon the land.” But this must include the most fundamental Mitzvah to preserve the life of every single Jew – to follow the explicit ruling in Jewish law concerning Jews in danger, wherever they may be, to take weapons in hand and defend themselves.

G-d wants us to employ conventional, practical means of self-defense. During exile, while other nations have influence on our security, we must seek to obtain weapons and receive financial aid from them, without compromising any part of Judaism, certainly not matters of life and death.