Weekly D'var

PARASHAT KI TEITZEI
Uri Heller

In preparation of this, I thought I would take from the old and new.

Ki Teitzei are about rules on both ethics and conduct Overview of Ki Teitzei the name translates to "When you go out," which refers to the opening verse instructing the Israelites on conduct when they go out to battle.

Ki Teitzei challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of their actions in various areas of life, from warfare to personal relationships. It encourages a balance between justice and compassion, illustrating how laws serve to enhance social harmony and moral integrity.

Broader Implications
•    Moral Framework: The teachings of Ki Teitzei create a moral framework that encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others, fostering a culture of kindness and justice.
•    Social Cohesion: By advocating for social justice, Ki Teitzei contributes to the cohesiveness of the community, ensuring that all members feel valued and supported.

Seventy-four of the Torah’s 613 commandments (mitzvot) are in the Parshah of Ki Teitzei. These include the laws of the beautiful captive, the inheritance rights of the firstborn, the wayward and rebellious son, burial and dignity of the dead, returning a lost object, sending away the mother bird before taking her young, the duty to erect a safety fence around the roof of one’s home, and the various forms of forbidden plant and animal hybrids).

From the old- Bob Newhart Show as the therapist would give the advice of “Just don’t do it!

Turning to the new I turned to Ai to provide an organized summary and then asked:

What are the implications of these teachings relative to the Hamas Israel war and Amalek
     - stay tuned…
Ki Teitzei has 5 Key Themes and Laws
1.    War and Ethics:
•    Discusses the rules of warfare, including the treatment of captives and against unnecessary destruction. 
•    Compassion in War regarding the treatment of captives and the importance of compassion and humanity even in the context of conflict.
2.    Family and Relationships: promoting healthy family dynamics
•    Includes laws about marriage and divorce, such as the rights of a firstborn son and the treatment of wives, emphasizing the importance of fairness and compassion. 
3.    Social Justice: aimed at ensuring justice and kindness in society, including:
•    lending money 
•    treatment of the poor, care for the less fortunate and to act justly, reinforcing the communal bond among the Israelites. 
•    the wellbeing of the community is a shared responsibility.
4.    Personal Conduct: Addressing personal responsibility and accountability, 
•    Prohibition Against Exploitation: honesty in business dealings and the need to be mindful of one's actions and personal reflection. 
5.    Ritual and Observance:
•    Contains commandments related to religious observance, requirement to remember and uphold the commandments given to the Israelites.

Here’s a Hasidic parable that connects the month of Elul with the theme of social justice:

The King’s Return
In a small village, the month of Elul was approaching, a time when the king would visit his subjects to assess their lives and their deeds over the past year. The villagers were filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, knowing that the king’s visit would prompt them to reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness.

A wise old man named Reb Shimon gathered the villagers. “Listen closely,” he said, “the king comes not to punish, but to uplift and guide us. This is our time to reflect, to repent, and to act justly.”
As the villagers were busy preparing gifts for the king, Reb Shimon noticed a poor widow named Miriam sitting alone, her face etched with worry. He approached her and asked, “Why do you look so troubled, my dear friend?”

Miriam sighed and replied, “I have nothing to offer the king. My crops have failed, and I cannot even provide food for my children, let alone a gift for him.”

Reb Shimon said, “Do not worry, Miriam. The king values the heart over material gifts. Instead of worrying about what you can give him, think of how you can serve your community. This is the true spirit of Elul.”

Miriam decided to share her meager resources with her neighbors. She baked bread and offered it to those in need, ensuring that no one in the village went hungry.

As Elul progressed, the villagers began to notice Miriam’s kindness, they too started helping one another, sharing food, lending tools, and offering support to those facing difficulties.

The day of the king’s visit, the villagers stood in a wide circle, each holding gifts for the king. When the king approached, he noticed the warmth and unity among the people. He was impressed not by the material gifts they offered but by the spirit of compassion and justice that filled the air.

Reb Shimon smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, as we prepared for your visit, we remembered that true justice and kindness are the greatest gifts we can offer. In the month of Elul, we learned to care for one another, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

The essence of this month. In seeking forgiveness and reflecting on our deeds, we must also remember our duty to uplift each other. As it is a reflection of our relationship with one another and with the Divine.”

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Reconciling the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas with the lessons of Ki Teitzei involves reflecting on the themes of social justice, compassion, and ethical conduct that are central to this Torah portion. Here are some thoughts on how these teachings can inform our understanding of the conflict and the path toward resolution:

While the Israeli-Hamas conflict presents complex challenges, the lessons from Ki Teitzei remind us of the importance of ethical conduct, social justice, and compassion. By reflecting on these values, both individuals and communities can work towards a more just and peaceful resolution, seeking to honor the humanity of all involved.

Connected is also trying to reconcile the commandment to destroy Amalek with the ethical teachings of Ki Teitzei involves a nuanced understanding of the context, intentions, and lessons behind these texts. Here’s how these two aspects can be examined together:

Background on Amalek:
"תמחה את זכר עמלק מתחת השמים לא תשכח"
“You shall wipe out the memory of Amalek from under the heaven, you shall not forget.” (25:19)

QUESTION: Why only in connection with the mitzvah to wipe out the memory of Amalek is it necessary for the Torah to also instruct, “You shall not forget”?

ANSWER: After witnessing the miracles Hashem performed in Egypt, the Jews left Egypt permeated with excitement and awe of Hashem. Amalek intended to chill their enthusiasm and ultimately cause them to forget Hashem. Throughout history such attempts have been repeated by enemies of the Jewish people. In addition, there is an Amalek within us — our yeitzer hara — who is constantly trying to “chill” us and detach us from Hashem.

The words “lo tishkach” — “you shall not forget” — are not a command, but a promise.

The Torah is advising us that when you will make every effort to wipe out the memory of Amalek, both the one who wants to destroy the Jewish people as a whole physically, and the Amalek within every one of us who wants to do spiritual harm, then you will always remain attached to Hashem and “lo tishkach” — you will not forget His greatness for one moment.

•    Historical Context: Amalek is depicted in the Torah as a nation that attacked the Israelites during their journey from Egypt. The commandment to destroy Amalek (found in Deuteronomy 25:17-19) is often understood as a call to eliminate evil and oppression.
•    Symbol of Evil: In Jewish tradition, Amalek represents not just a historical enemy but the embodiment of hatred and cruelty. The annihilation of Amalek is seen as a moral imperative to eradicate such evil from the world.

Reconciliation of the Two Concepts
1.    Understanding Amalek as a Metaphor: Rather than viewing the command to destroy Amalek solely as a literal directive, it can be seen as a metaphor for confronting and eradicating hatred, cruelty, and injustice in the world. 
2.    Contextual Warfare: The teachings of Ki Teitzei emphasize the importance of ethical conduct even in warfare. This suggests that any actions taken against Amalek (or its modern equivalents) should prioritize minimizing harm to innocents and ensuring humane treatment of all individuals.
3.    Focus on Justice, Not Vengeance: The call to destroy Amalek can be reframed as a call to pursue justice and integrity rather than blind vengeance. This reflects the message of Ki Teitzei that emphasizes fairness and accountability in all actions.
4.    Collective Responsibility: Ki Teitzei teaches about the collective responsibility of the community. In confronting evil, it is essential that the community acts as a united force for justice, ensuring that actions are guided by ethical principles and a commitment to the greater good.

Conclusion

Reconciling the command to destroy Amalek with the ethics of Ki Teitzei involves viewing the battle against evil through a lens of compassion, justice, and ethical responsibility. By understanding Amalek as a symbol of hatred and cruelty, rather than a literal enemy, we can align the teachings of Ki Teitzei with the imperative to combat injustice while maintaining a commitment to humane and ethical conduct.