The clash of swords, the blare of trumpets…terrifying. But did you know that Jewish tradition actually makes provisions for those who are overcome by fear in war?
We find this in Sifrei Devarim (192), commenting on Deuteronomy 20:3. The verse states, "And he shall say to them 'Hear, O Israel, who is the man that is fearful and faint-hearted...and the officers shall continue.'" So, what's the deal? Why this specific instruction?
The text tells us it's so that "the cities of Israel should not be desolate." : if everyone deserted out of fear, what would become of the community? Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai, a pivotal figure in Jewish history, offers a profound insight here. He says: "Come and see how G-d cares for human dignity." Even in the midst of war, a time of immense stress and pressure, the Torah acknowledges and respects human frailty.
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. When one soldier wanted to return home, the others might speculate – "maybe he has just built a house," or "maybe he has betrothed a woman," referring to other exemptions outlined in Deuteronomy 20. All these soldiers needed to bring proof to justify their departure. But the "fearful one"? His situation was, shall we say, self-evident.
The text paints a vivid picture: "He heard shields clashing and was scared, blaring trumpets and was shaken, he sees swords being wielded and loses control of his bodily functions." Yikes. No need for paperwork there! The poor guy is clearly not in the right headspace for battle.
But there’s a deeper point here. It’s not just about excusing someone from duty. It’s about recognizing the very real impact of fear and trauma. It's about understanding that not everyone is equipped to handle the intensity of war. And, perhaps most importantly, it's about preventing the spread of panic and demoralization within the ranks. A single, visibly terrified soldier could break the morale of the entire army.
So, what does this ancient text tell us today? Maybe it's that compassion and understanding are essential, even in the most difficult circumstances. That acknowledging our vulnerabilities – and those of others – is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our humanity. And that sometimes, the greatest act of courage is knowing when to step back.