HIS 5100 Judaism and War: From Tanakh to Palmach
This course traces Jewish positions on war from the earliest layers of the Hebrew Bible through the current period. We will read original texts from the Bible to current ethical writings treating the problematic of war. When is war necessary, when should it be avoided, what are the “rules of engagement” in fighting a war, and how have Jews dealt with the complexities of fighting for defense, land, conquest, honor, survival, and messiah? The course will include consideration of current Jewish military engagements.