Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 1-3

Alright, campers, gather 'round! Can you hear that? The crackle of the fire, the rustle of the leaves, maybe a guitar strumming somewhere in the distance? That's the sound of Torah, alive and kicking, ready to light up our homes just like those campfires lit up our nights! You've got that camp spirit, that Jewish spark – now let's bring it home, make it shine in our everyday lives.

Hook

Remember those evenings around the campfire, when we'd sing songs about building, about community, about leaders who inspire us? There's one line that always comes to mind when I think about what it means to lead, to serve, to truly build something lasting. It's a simple, powerful thought, and you can practically hum it to a niggun:

(Sing-able Line/Niggun Suggestion - simple, repetitive melody) "Build a home, build a heart, build a light that will never part!" (Repeat with a simple, rising and falling melody, like a camp chant) "Build a home, build a heart, build a light that will never part!"

That's the energy we're bringing to our text today! Because even the ancient laws of kingship have something to teach us about building our own homes, our own family "kingdoms," with hearts full of light.

Context

So, you know how when you arrive at a new campsite, there’s a certain order to setting things up to make sure it’s safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure? First, you scout the spot, clear the ground, maybe set up a perimeter. Then you get the fire going, and finally, you pitch your tent, right? You build the foundation before you build the dwelling. Well, the Torah gives a similar "checklist" for the Jewish people when they first entered the Land of Israel:

• Three Big "To-Do's": The Jewish people were commanded to fulfill three major mitzvot upon entering the Promised Land: to choose a king, to wipe out the descendants of Amalek (a perpetual spiritual enemy), and to build the Beit HaMikdash, God's Chosen House (the Temple). These weren't just suggestions; they were foundational commands for establishing a holy nation.
• The Divine Order of Operations: But here's the kicker – the order matters! Just like you wouldn't pitch your tent on un-cleared ground, there's a specific sequence. First, appoint a king. Why? Because you need a strong, unified leadership to fight the spiritual battles (like Amalek) that clear the path. Then, after defeating Amalek, you build the Temple. You can't build a sacred dwelling until the threats to its sanctity are dealt with. It's about establishing internal order and security before creating the ultimate spiritual center.
• A "Forest Path" Metaphor: Think of it like blazing a trail through a dense forest. You can't just plop down a beautiful lodge (the Temple) in the middle of tangled undergrowth and lurking dangers (Amalek). First, you need a skilled guide (the King) to lead the way, to clear out the dangerous beasts and thorny bushes (Amalek), and then, once the path is safe and clear, you can build your sanctuary, a beacon of light and peace in the wilderness. This text, in Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars, lays out the intricate details of what this kingship entails.

Text Snapshot

Let's zoom in on a few lines from our text, straight from Rambam's Mishneh Torah:

"Israel was commanded to fulfill three mitzvot upon entering the Promised Land: a) To choose a king... b) To wipe out the descendents of Amalek... c) To build God's Chosen House... The appointment of a king should precede the war against Amalek. Amalek's seed should be annihilated before the construction of the Temple... Just as the Torah has granted him great honor and obligated everyone to revere him; so, too, has it commanded him to be lowly and empty at heart... He should always conduct himself with great humility... During a king's reign, he must write a Torah scroll for himself... It should accompany him and he should read it all the days of his life."

Close Reading

Wow, that's a lot packed into a few lines, isn't it? But beneath the surface of ancient laws about kings and temples, there are glittering gems for us, for our modern lives, for our families and homes. Let's unearth two big ones:

Insight 1: The King's Heart: Humble Leadership with Grown-Up Legs

Our text talks about the king's immense honor and the awe he inspires. But then, it immediately pivots to something unexpected: "Just as the Torah has granted him great honor... so, too, has it commanded him to be lowly and empty at heart... Nor should he treat Israel with overbearing haughtiness. For Deuteronomy 17:20 describes how 'he should not lift up his heart above his brothers.'" And further, "He should be gracious and merciful to the small and the great... He should bear the nation's difficulties, burdens, complaints, and anger as a nurse carries an infant." The image of the king as a "shepherd" is invoked, gathering lambs and carrying them close.

• Connecting to Home: Okay, so we're not appointing literal kings in our living rooms! But who are the "kings" and "queens" of our homes? Parents, right? Or perhaps older siblings, or even anyone taking on a leadership role in the family. This text challenges us to re-think what true leadership looks like. It's not about being bossy or always being right. It's about balancing authority with profound humility and service.
• The "Nurse and Shepherd" Parent: Imagine being a parent who carries the "burdens, complaints, and anger" of your children "as a nurse carries an infant." This doesn't mean letting kids run wild. It means understanding that their anger or complaints, however inconvenient, often come from a place of need or frustration. It means responding with compassion, even when setting boundaries. It means being the "shepherd" who guides, protects, and gently gathers, rather than the drill sergeant who barks orders.
• "Not Lifting Up Your Heart": How often do we, as adults, get caught up in our own "rightness," or the power dynamic of parent-child? This text reminds us that even with authority, our hearts shouldn't be "lifted above our brothers" – or our children, or our partners. It's a call to empathy, to remembering the shared humanity and the shared journey. We lead not over them, but with them, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, even when difficult decisions are made. It's about demonstrating rachamim (mercy/compassion) and chesed (loving-kindness) in our daily interactions, knowing that true influence comes from a place of love and understanding, not just power. Think about it: when you're at camp, who do you truly respect and listen to? The counselor who's humble, caring, and leads by example, or the one who's just giving orders? It's the same in our homes.

Insight 2: The King's Torah Scroll: Keeping Wisdom Always Present

Our text reveals a truly remarkable expectation for the king: "During a king's reign, he must write a Torah scroll for himself in addition to the scroll which was left to him by his ancestors... the second, which should not move from his presence... When he goes to war, this scroll should accompany him. When he returns, it should accompany him. When he sits in judgement, it should be with him. When he dines, it should be opposite him, as Deuteronomy 17:19 states: 'It should accompany him and he should read it all the days of his life.'" And the Rambam adds, "His heart is the heart of the entire congregation of Israel. Therefore, the verse commanded him to have it cleave to the Torah to a greater degree than the rest of the nation, as it is stated: 'all the days of his life.'"

• Connecting to Home: What does a king's personal, ever-present Torah scroll mean for us? We might not carry a literal scroll to dinner, but the essence is powerful: how do we keep Torah – Jewish wisdom, values, stories, ethical guidance – always present in our homes? Not just on Shabbat, not just at holidays, but truly "accompanying us" through the week?
• Torah at the Dinner Table: The idea of the scroll being "opposite him" at dinner is brilliant. It means Torah is a constant presence, a conversation partner, a guiding light even in the mundane. How can we bring Jewish wisdom to our dinner tables? Maybe it's a weekly Torah portion discussion, a story about a Jewish hero, a conversation about a challenging ethical dilemma, or simply a blessing and a moment of gratitude. It's about making Jewish thought a natural, integrated part of our family's dialogue, rather than something reserved for formal study time.
• Modeling Continuous Growth: The king, the ultimate leader, is commanded to write his own scroll and read it daily. This emphasizes that spiritual growth and learning are lifelong journeys, especially for those in leadership roles. As parents, we are the primary educators and role models for our children's Jewish journeys. If they see us actively engaging with Jewish texts, asking questions, seeking wisdom, and striving to live by Jewish values, they learn that Judaism is dynamic, relevant, and a source of continuous personal development. It's not just "rules for kids"; it's a path for life. When we show our children that we are still learning, still growing, still connecting, we give them permission and inspiration to do the same.

Micro-Ritual

Let's bring this home with a simple, yet profound, Friday night tweak. This one focuses on the idea of the "King's Heart" – humble leadership and service.

Before you make Kiddush on Friday night, gather your family. Take a moment to look at each person. Then, share this intention:

• The "Crown of Humility" Intention: As the candles glow, creating a sacred space in our home, let's remember the ancient king's command to be "lowly and empty at heart" and to serve like a "shepherd" or a "nurse." Before we partake in the holiness of Shabbat, let's each quietly (or aloud, if comfortable) acknowledge a "kingship" we hold in our home – a responsibility, a role where we lead, guide, or care for others. And then, let's commit to wearing a "crown of humility" this Shabbat and into the coming week.
• A Moment of Silent Reflection (or Sharing): You might say: "This Shabbat, as we gather, let's reflect: How can I, in my role (as parent, child, sibling, partner), be more gracious, more merciful, more patient, more of a 'shepherd' to those around me? How can I 'not lift up my heart' but truly listen and serve?"
• Actionable Thought: Before Kiddush, perhaps hold hands, or simply gaze at the candles, and let the warmth remind you of the warmth you want to bring to your family through humble, loving leadership. It’s a moment to internalize that the greatest strength in a "king" (or parent) comes from a heart dedicated to the welfare and growth of their "people." Then, proceed with Kiddush, bringing that intention into the sanctity of Shabbat.

Chevruta Mini

Here are two questions to discuss with a friend, partner, or even just ponder to yourself:

1. The text describes the king balancing immense honor and public awe with profound private humility and service. Where in your family or home life do you experience a similar tension between authority/responsibility and the call to be "lowly and empty at heart"? How can you lean into the humility aspect more?
2. The king's Torah scroll was never to leave his presence. What is your family's equivalent of that "ever-present Torah scroll"? What Jewish values, stories, or practices do you strive to keep always present in your home, and how might you make them even more central?

Takeaway

Campers, the Mishneh Torah teaches us that true leadership, whether of a nation or a family, isn't about power or prestige alone. It's about a humble heart, always learning from Torah, and serving those entrusted to our care with the gentleness of a shepherd and the compassion of a nurse. Bring that campfire warmth, that Torah light, and that humble heart into your home, and watch your family kingdom flourish! Keep singing that song: "Build a home, build a heart, build a light that will never part!"