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A Time for War, A Time for Peace
February 11, 2003Comments (0) | Add | E-mail this to a friendAs college campuses debate the impending war with Iraq, Hillel professionals from over 40 schools discussed the Jewish perspective on war during an online multimedia interactive study session.
The conference call, led by Hillel's Director of the Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Learning Rabbi Avi Weinstein and Hillel's Director of the Center for Israel Affairs Wayne L. Firestone, addressed such topics as: when one is allowed to go to war; who is exempt from war; who may declare war; and what are the different types of wars.
"Hillel is apolitical and we understand that there are many different views within the Hillel community," said Firestone. "We want people to feel comfortable in using Hillel as a forum for discussing such issues from a Jewish perspective."
Hillel professionals asked whether a pre-emptive attack against a hostile nation is mandatory and required by Jewish law. Reflecting discussions on college campuses, they questioned whether a country such as Iraq is considered an imminent threat.
Weinstein explained that human life is so important to Jewish law that it is permitted to kill an attacker to prevent a murder.
He told professionals that Jewish tradition views military draft differently depending on the circumstances, such as whether the nation is in peacetime or at war. Participants found that on most issues, differing and contrasting opinions could be found in Jewish law.
"This discussion was helpful, because it validates the fact students have different opinions about the current situation," said one Hillel director.
"This session showed how Jewish texts continue to be relevant to our lives today," said a Hillel professional.
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