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How can Jewish law permit voluntary war (milchemes reshus) for economic reasons? The shiur argues that wars are never fought purely for economics, but against enemies who violate the international obligation to trade—withholding resources not for legitimate reasons but to cause harm. This moral framework requires internal Jewish commitment to mutual assistance before demanding it from other nations.
The shiur addresses a fundamental moral question: How can Jewish law permit milchemes reshus (voluntary war) for economic reasons? The Talmud (תלמוד) describes the sages approaching King Dovid saying the people need parnasah (livelihood), and he responds by authorizing war. This raises serious ethical concerns—can we justify killing others and endangering ourselves merely for economic benefit, especially when economics is relative and we could simply lower our standard of living? Rabbi Zweig establishes that this question cannot be answered with "God commanded it." Rashi (רש"י)'s question on why the Torah (תורה) begins with Genesis demonstrates this point. Rashi explains the Torah starts with Creation to counter accusations that Jews are robbers taking the land of Israel. If "God commanded it" were sufficient justification, the Torah could have started with the Exodus. The fact that Genesis is necessary proves we need a moral basis beyond divine command. We cannot live with a dual moral standard—one for us and one for others.
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Ki Seitzei 21:10
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