When a City Answers for Peace in the Laws of Warfare

Sifrei Devarim 200:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·March 24, 2026

(Devarim 20:11) "And it shall be, if it answers you for peace": I might think, even (if) some (do so); it is, therefore, written "and it opens itself to you" — all of it and not part of it.

Themes

Continue Reading

Sifrei DevarimGod Who Was with You in the Desert Goes with You to WarIt offers a powerful promise – and a comforting thought. It's Devarim 20:4. And it says: "For it is the L-rd your G-d who goes with you to do battle with your f Sifrei DevarimGuarding Yourself Against Every Evil Thing in WartimeLife throws us curveballs, challenges us, and sometimes, it feels like we're surrounded by adversaries. So, what does Judaism teach us about facing these moment Letter of AristeasSeptuagint Studies TorahOur tale begins with a letter – the Letter of Aristeas, to be precise. It purports to be from a courtier named Aristeas to his brother Philocrates, recounting t Letter of AristeasEleazar Studies TorahThe Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating peek into the world of 3rd-century BCE Alexandria, gives us a clue. It's framed as a letter from Aristeas, an official in Letter of AristeasHow the Septuagint Translators Spent Their DaysLetter of Aristeas turns to How the Septuagint Translators Spent Their Days. So, what was a typical day like for these luminaries? Well, according to the Letter Legends of the JewsJewish LegendsThis raven wasn't content with his own raven-y way of doing things. He watched the dove, so graceful, so elegant, and thought, "I want that!" He yearned for tha