Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 5

Shalom, my friend! So glad you’re here to explore some ancient wisdom with me.

Hook

Have you ever felt that deep, almost indescribable pull towards a certain place? Maybe it’s your childhood home, a quiet spot in nature, or even a bustling city that just feels “right.” It’s more than just bricks and mortar, isn’t it? It’s a feeling of belonging, of connection, of being truly yourself. Or perhaps you've faced a big decision about where to live, where to dedicate your energy, or even what battles are truly worth fighting. These are huge, universal questions that we all grapple with, whether we're picking out new throw pillows or making life-altering choices.

Our Jewish tradition, surprisingly, has a lot to say about these very human experiences. It delves into the profound connection we can have with a physical place, the weight of our choices, and how our actions ripple through our lives and the world. It’s not just about ancient kings and faraway lands; it’s about understanding what truly nourishes our souls and guides our paths. Today, we're going to peek into a fascinating text that touches on these very themes, helping us think about where we call home, what we fight for, and what truly matters. No heavy lifting required, just an open mind and maybe a cup of tea!

Context

Who wrote this?

The words we’re looking at today come from a brilliant mind named Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, often called Maimonides or by his Hebrew acronym, Rambam. He was an incredible scholar, doctor, philosopher, and leader who lived in the 12th century, mainly in Egypt. Imagine someone who was basically a superstar in every field! He was known for his clear thinking and his ability to organize vast amounts of knowledge.

What is the Mishneh Torah?

Our text is from his most famous work, the Mishneh Torah. Think of the Mishneh Torah as a giant, incredibly organized instruction manual for Jewish life. It covers everything from prayer and holidays to business ethics and, yes, even the rules for a Jewish king! Maimonides wrote it to make Jewish law accessible and understandable to everyone, organizing centuries of tradition into a clear, logical system. It’s still studied and revered today as a foundational text.

What are we reading about today?

The section we're exploring is from a part of the Mishneh Torah called "Kings and Wars." Now, before you picture battlefields and ancient armies (though it does touch on that!), know that this text offers much more. It dives into the profound spiritual significance of Eretz Yisrael – that's Hebrew for "the Land of Israel." It also discusses the difference between actions that are commanded (like a "must-do") and actions that are optional (like a "nice-to-do"). Even without a king today, the principles Maimonides lays out about our connection to a sacred place and the importance of intentional living are still incredibly powerful and relevant for each of us.

Key Term: Eretz Yisrael

Eretz Yisrael means "the Land of Israel," a special place in Jewish tradition.

So, while we're looking at rules that were originally written for a king, we'll see how these ancient ideas can shed light on our own choices about where we live, what we prioritize, and how we connect to the places and memories that shape us. It’s like finding a hidden gem of wisdom that’s been waiting for you!

Text Snapshot

Let's take a look at a small, yet powerful, piece from our text today. It talks about a very strong spiritual connection to the Land of Israel:

"At all times, a person should dwell in Eretz Yisrael even in a city whose population is primarily gentile, rather than dwell in the Diaspora, even in a city whose population is primarily Jewish. This applies because whoever leaves Eretz Yisrael for the Diaspora is considered as if he worships idols as I Samuel 26:19 states 'They have driven me out today from dwelling in the heritage of God, saying 'Go, serve other gods.'"

You can find this whole chapter and more at: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars_5

Close Reading

Wow, that last line from our snapshot is pretty intense, isn't it? "Considered as if he worships idols!" For absolute beginners, this kind of language can feel a bit strong, so let's gently unpack it and some other core ideas from this chapter. Remember, ancient texts often use powerful metaphors to convey deep spiritual truths, not always to be taken literally in a modern context. We're looking for the wisdom beneath the surface.

Insight 1: The Deep Connection to "Home" and Sacred Space

The Mishneh Torah spends a surprising amount of time talking about Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). It's more than just a piece of land on a map; it's presented as a profoundly spiritual place. Maimonides explains that great sages would "kiss the borders of Eretz Yisrael, kiss its stones, and roll in its dust." Can you imagine that kind of devotion? It’s like how you might feel about a beloved grandparent’s home, or a place where you experienced something truly transformative. It’s not just dirt; it’s hallowed ground.

Why is it so special?

The text tells us some amazing things about dwelling in Eretz Yisrael:

• Forgiveness of sins: "Whoever dwells in Eretz Yisrael will have his sins forgiven." (Isaiah 33:24) Now, this isn't a magical "get out of jail free" card! The brilliant commentator Steinsaltz explains that it means "the Holy One, Blessed be He, bears his sin and forgives him." It’s less about a physical location automatically wiping away misdeeds, and more about the environment of Eretz Yisrael being so conducive to spiritual growth and connection that it helps you atone and move forward. Think of it like a really good therapist's office: the space itself doesn't heal you, but it’s a place where healing is deeply supported and encouraged.
• Merit for walking there: "Even one who walks four cubits there will merit the world to come." (A cubit is an ancient unit of measure, about 18 inches). This paints a picture of every step being meaningful, contributing to a spiritual reward. It suggests that simply existing in such a sacred space elevates your soul.
• Atonement for burial: "One who is buried there receives atonement as if the place in which he is buried is an altar of atonement." While it's noted that being alive in Eretz Yisrael is better, even being buried there offers a special spiritual benefit. This points to the enduring holiness of the land, even beyond life.

Our Own "Eretz Yisrael"

Now, most of us don't live in Eretz Yisrael, and that's totally okay! The beauty of these ancient texts is that they often offer universal lessons. We can ask ourselves: What is our "Eretz Yisrael"? What places in our lives feel sacred, nourishing, or deeply connected to our sense of purpose and well-being? It might be your home, a park, a synagogue, a library, or even a quiet corner where you meditate. The text encourages us to recognize and cherish those places that uplift us, where we feel more connected to something larger than ourselves. Just as the sages kissed the stones of Eretz Yisrael, we can cultivate gratitude and reverence for the spaces that support our spiritual and emotional health, wherever we are. It’s about being mindful of the profound impact our surroundings have on us.

Insight 2: Purposeful Living and Intentional Choices

The Mishneh Torah also delves into the concept of milchemet mitzvah (a commanded war, meaning a necessary war for a good purpose) versus milchemet hareshut (an optional war, meaning a war of choice). This might seem far removed from our daily lives, but it offers a powerful framework for making choices with intention.

"Commanded" vs. "Optional" Actions

• Milchemet Mitzvah (Commanded Action): These are actions that are essential, non-negotiable for spiritual survival or defense. In the text, it’s about defending Eretz Yisrael or fighting against existential threats like Amalek. The king doesn’t need court approval for these; they are fundamental.
• Milchemet Hareshut (Optional Action): These are actions of choice, like expanding borders or seeking reputation. For these, the king must get approval from a court of 71 judges. This tells us that optional actions require much more scrutiny, deliberation, and communal agreement.

Applying this to Our Lives

We might not be kings waging wars, but we constantly face "commanded" and "optional" actions in our lives.

• What are our "commanded" actions? These might be the non-negotiables: caring for our families, pursuing justice, showing compassion, protecting our health, or engaging in personal growth. These are the things we must do to live a meaningful life, aligned with our deepest values. They don't require outside approval because they stem from our core being.
• What are our "optional" actions? These are the choices we make that might be for personal gain, comfort, or convenience. These often require more thought: "Is this truly beneficial? What are the long-term consequences? Am I acting from a place of wisdom?" This framework encourages us to slow down and consider our motives.

Leaving Eretz Yisrael: Intentionality in Action

The text provides specific "permitted" reasons to leave Eretz Yisrael: to study Torah, to marry, to save property from gentiles, or to conduct commercial enterprises. However, "it is forbidden to leave with the intent of settling permanently in the Diaspora unless the famine in Eretz Yisrael is so severe."

Even then, leaving is "not pious behavior." The text cites Machlon and Kilyon (from the Book of Ruth) as great men who left out of distress but were "worthy of death by God." This isn't about punishment for leaving, but about the spirit in which they left. They may have lacked faith that God would provide in Eretz Yisrael even during famine. It's a reminder that even in hardship, our intentions and our faith matter deeply. Leaving for genuine necessity is one thing; abandoning a core connection out of despair is another.

The strong statement, "whoever leaves Eretz Yisrael for the Diaspora is considered as if he worships idols," needs careful interpretation. Tziunei Maharan, another commentator, explains this isn't literal idol worship. Instead, it’s a powerful metaphor. To leave the heritage of God (the land) is seen as turning away from a primary spiritual connection. It's like saying, "My comfort, my business, my personal preferences are more important than my connection to this sacred inheritance." It's about misplacing priorities, prioritizing something transient over something spiritually profound. It's a warning against losing sight of our deepest spiritual home and values for less significant pursuits. It challenges us to reflect: what are we "worshipping" or prioritizing in our own lives, and does it align with our true spiritual path?

Insight 3: Remembering and Forgetting – Lessons from Amalek and Egypt

Our text also touches on the importance of remembering and, conversely, the prohibition of returning to certain places. This isn't just about ancient history; it's about cultivating a conscious memory and avoiding spiritual pitfalls.

Remembering Amalek

The text states, "It is a positive commandment to destroy the memory of Amalek... It is also a positive commandment to constantly remember their evil deeds and their ambush of Israel to arouse our hatred of them." (Deuteronomy 25:19, 25:17) The Oral Tradition clarifies: "'Remember' - with your mouths; 'Do not forget' - in your hearts." This is heavy stuff! Why this intense focus on memory and even "hatred"?

Amalek represents an archetype of absolute, unprovoked evil. They attacked the Israelites when they were vulnerable, after leaving Egypt. This commandment is not about fostering general hatred of people; it's about remembering existential threats to goodness and justice. It’s about recognizing that some forms of evil are utterly destructive and must be actively confronted and removed from memory so they don't resurface. "Remember with your mouths" means talking about it, teaching it. "Do not forget in your hearts" means internalizing the lesson, letting it shape your vigilance. It’s about staying awake to the dangers that seek to undermine human dignity and spiritual values. It reminds us that there are forces in the world that are truly destructive, and we have a responsibility to identify and oppose them, not to let them fade into forgotten history.

The Prohibition of Returning to Egypt

Then, there's the surprising prohibition: "It is permitted to dwell anywhere in the entire world with the exception of the land of Egypt... It is forbidden to dwell in this entire territory." (Exodus 14:13, Deuteronomy 17:16, 28:68) Why Egypt?

Egypt represents the spiritual low point of slavery, oppression, and idol worship from which the Jewish people were liberated. Maimonides suggests their "behavior is more depraved than that of the peoples of other lands" (Leviticus 18:3). It's not about the modern country of Egypt, but the spiritual "Egypt" of ancient times – a place of spiritual corruption and bondage. The prohibition against settling there is a powerful command to not return to old, unhealthy patterns or environments that enslaved us.

Our Own "Egypts"

In our lives, we all have our "Egypts" – habits, relationships, or mindsets that once held us captive, diminished us, or led us away from our best selves. The lesson here is that once we've broken free, it's vital not to go back and settle there. Visiting for "trade and commerce" (like learning from a past mistake without reliving it) or "passing through" (like a temporary interaction) might be permissible, but making it our permanent home is forbidden. It means recognizing what pulls us down spiritually and consciously choosing to build our lives in places (physical, emotional, spiritual) that uplift us instead. It's about maintaining our freedom and not falling back into spiritual bondage.

By remembering the lessons of the past (Amalek) and avoiding the pitfalls (Egypt), and by making intentional choices about our sacred spaces and actions, we can live lives of deeper purpose and connection, no matter where we are.

Apply It

Okay, that was a lot of ancient wisdom, wasn't it? Let's bring it back to a tiny, doable practice for this week. We've talked about the profound connection to Eretz Yisrael and how it represents a sacred, nourishing space. We also touched on the idea of being intentional about where we "settle" our hearts and minds.

This week, let's try a "Sacred Space Micro-Practice." It’s designed to help you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the space you inhabit, wherever you are, and to bring a bit of that ancient reverence into your modern life.

Here's your challenge (less than 60 seconds a day!):

1. Pick a "Sacred Spot" for the day: Each morning (or whenever you remember), choose one small, specific spot in your immediate environment. This could be your kitchen counter, your favorite chair, a window sill, a particular tree outside your office, or even just the patch of carpet under your feet. It doesn't have to be grand; it just has to be there.

2. Acknowledge and Appreciate: For just a few seconds (seriously, less than a minute!), consciously acknowledge that spot. Look at it, feel it, notice its presence. Silently (or out loud, if you're brave!) say something like: "Thank you for being here," or "I appreciate this space," or "This place supports me."

3. Connect to Intention: Briefly reflect on why this spot is important to you, even if it's just for that moment. Maybe it holds your morning coffee, offers a view, or simply supports your weight. Think about the intention you bring to this space. Are you making it a place of peace, productivity, or rest?

Why this practice?

Just as the sages revered the stones and dust of Eretz Yisrael, this practice helps us develop a mindful connection to our own immediate surroundings. It’s about recognizing the sacred in the mundane, understanding that every place can hold meaning if we bring intention to it. It trains us to be present, to be grateful, and to see our environment not just as background, but as an active part of our lives that can support our well-being. This isn't about moving to a new country; it's about bringing the spirit of connection and reverence to where you already are. Try it for a few days this week, and see if it shifts your perspective even a little!

Chevruta Mini

Part of the joy of Jewish learning is chevruta – learning with a partner! It’s all about discussing, asking questions, and discovering new insights together. So grab a friend, family member, or even just ponder these questions yourself. No right or wrong answers, just open conversation.

Discussion Question 1: Your Personal "Eretz Yisrael"

The text speaks so strongly about the spiritual significance of Eretz Yisrael, describing it as a place of profound connection and even forgiveness. If you were to pick one place in the world that feels most like "home" or most "sacred" to you – a place where you feel most connected, most yourself, or most at peace – what would it be and why? What qualities does that place have that make it special to you?

Discussion Question 2: Your "Commanded" Actions

We learned about the idea of "commanded" actions (milchemet mitzvah) versus "optional" ones (milchemet hareshut). A "commanded" action is something essential, a "must-do" that aligns with your deepest values or purpose. Can you think of a "commanded" action in your own life – something you feel you must do, for yourself, your loved ones, or your community, that gives your life true meaning and direction? How do you know it's a "commanded" action for you?

Takeaway

Remember this: Our tradition teaches that where we put our feet, where we focus our intentions, and what we choose to remember, profoundly shapes who we become.