The Right to Self-Defense: Analysis of Torah Law

Rabbi Zweig provides an in-depth analysis of the halachic principle permitting the killing of an intruder breaking into one's home. He begins by reviewing the dispute between the Rambam (רמב"ם) and Raavad regarding whether this law applies equally during day and night. The Rambam holds that one may kill an intruder at any time, while the Raavad restricts this permission to nighttime, arguing that during the day the intruder is more likely to flee rather than engage in violence. The shiur explores two fundamental approaches to understanding this law. The first theory views it as an act of self-defense - the homeowner is permitted to kill the intruder because breaking in creates a chain reaction that may endanger the homeowner's life. The second theory treats the intruder as a would-be murderer who has already committed himself to killing if confronted, thus deserving execution under Jewish law.