Ki Teitzei 2021
Isaac’s Parsha Corner · 2021
War and its aftermath
The treatment of war which began last week in Parshat Shoftim continues in our Parsha. In Shoftim we learned about the appointment of the king, one of whose missions was to conduct war. The king was warned against over arming his people with horses lest he be forced to return to Egypt the land of fighting horses. We studied the establishment of cities of refuge. These cities were needed as an aftermath of war. The consequences of friendly fire would send the unfortunate soldier into one of these cities. We then were instructed as to the warnings and encouragement of the soldiers going into war not to be fearful and to trust in G-d. The importance of home, family, and of land ownership was emphasized even over the needs of the community during wartime. The Chumash instructs, “Let the one who has built a home, engaged a bride, or planted a vineyard return to those matters and not engage in war.” (Chapter 20 summarized). The Torah instructs us that in the conduct of war first you attempt peace and only of that fails do you go to war. And finally do not destroy land and trees unnecessarily even if it might help the battle plan.
This week’s Parsha addresses the aftermath of war, and none of it is very good. Inevitably the women of the conquered will appear more beautiful than the local women. The opportunity for “seeing, grabbing, and taking” is never more prevalent than during wartime. The predictable result will be the original wife will become less desirable even hated. The torah warns against preferring the children of the new young and beautiful woman over the existing “first born”. The children of this broken family will see their father for what he is, a lustful greedy person, and will follow and copy in his footsteps. Invariably sin will inhabit the family and the sinner will be put to death and hanged.
What follows are series of commandments designed to rebuild the moral ethical family and community that have been reduced by the conduct of war. Examples include, “Return the lost object. Create safe spaces. Avoid unhealthy combinations. Treat marriage with utmost sanctity. Provide charity even toward the escaping slave. Etc...
While war seems at times inevitable we are warned of its aftermaths and are always reminded that we are and always were a nation of peace.
While we pray for strength we end with a prayer for peace. “G-d shall give His nation strength and will bless His nation with peace”
Isaac’s Parsha Corner is dedicated to the memory of Joel Shulman A’H.