Weekly Parsha Shiur with Rav Elyada Goldwicht Parshat Vayishlach | The Torah’s Shocking Answer to “Civilian Casualties”
Dec 3, 2025
Explore the complex Jewish wartime ethics rooted in Parshat Vayishlach. Delve into thought-provoking questions about civilian status in conflicts and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. Hear insights on how halacha views the killing of non-combatants and the notorious Shechem incident. Understand arguments surrounding army survival versus civilian protection. Finally, consider the moral implications of accidental civilian casualties and the obligations to defend while navigating these challenging ethical waters.
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Torah As A War Manual
- The Torah contains a sustained tradition addressing war, civilians, and collateral damage rooted in Parshat Vayishlach.
- Rav Elyada Goldwicht frames ancient texts as a moral-legal manual for modern wartime dilemmas.
Killing Non‑Jews Is Forbidden—Except In Defense
- Rambam rules lo tirtzach applies to non-Jews and violators can be liable to death.
- Self-defense (saving life) transforms killing in war from murder into permitted defense.
Yaakov's Fear Highlights Collateral Harm
- Yaakov feared both being killed and accidentally killing innocents when confronting Esav.
- That concern in the Torah signals collateral damage is morally weighty even amid self-defense.
