For the source text click/tap here: Sotah 42
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Torah contains a series of commandments that relate directly to rules of warfare. Among them is the charge made by the High Priest – called mashu’ah milhamah – a priest anointed specifically for the purpose of leading the troops to war. The Torah commands that this priest instruct the soldiers – in Hebrew – that they cannot fear their enemies as they enter into war, and followed by listing those individuals who were free from participating as soldiers.
Those exemptions included people who were in the middle of various uncompleted projects, e.g., someone who was building a house, planting a vineyard, or had gotten engaged to be married (see Devarim 20:1-9).
We explore the role of the מְשׁוּחַ מִלְחָמָה as well as modern military chaplains and the moral issues they face.