Weekly D'var Torah

We know that many see having basic self defense skills such as situational awareness, keeping cool in difficult situations and even knowing some basic techniques allowing us to escape in the worst situations as essential, especially in trying times.  But does the Torah have anything to say about studying self defense?

King David in Psalms actually gives us a blessing:
Baruch M’lamed Yadai L’Milchama- Blessed is the One who teaches my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.  We know that violence is not the answer and must be rejected, but we also know that it is also wrong to allow yourself or those you care for to be subjected to violence.  

We think of King David as the Messianic ruler, the sweet singer of Israel and perfect knight of faith.  But David was also the warrior who faced Goliath and went on to stand up to and defeat foes much more powerful than the Israelites.  Might doesn’t make right, but the ability to stand up to those who think it does is part of the lessons of our history.  

In Parshat Mishpatim, we are given the laws and practices of civil society. Underlying all of these laws is the principle of kavod, respect for the person, property and rights of every human being which derives directly from the Ten Commandments and the teaching of G-d’s presence in every person. 

Reliance on violence is destructive; so is hate.  The essence of the Torah, says Rabbi Akiva, is the commandment to Love Your Neighbor as Yourself (Leviticus 19).  But inherent in that commandment is the commandment to love and care for yourself.  

Indeed, the Torah (Deuteronomy 4:9) says, Shmor Nafshecha M’od- Take very good care of your life.  Many read this to mean to live healthfully and in a balanced way.  Others see this as part of a mandate to know what to do in emergencies or in any challenging circumstance. 

We do not rely on force.  Jacob, when faced with the threat of his brother Esau and his four hundred armed followers, does everything to avoid not only harm to his family and himself but also prays to avoid inflicting harm.  

Krav Maga, like the Asian martial arts upon which it is based, was developed not by warriors but by gentle, peaceful people.  The Chinese ideogram for martial arts, 武 (wǔ) actually means “not fighting”- or how to stop a fight.  Krav Maga was developed in the ghettos of the Nazi occupation and by partisans to try to defend Jews from the brutality of their oppressors.  Its purpose was to develop the skills of awareness, calm under duress and the ability to escape.

So it is a Mitzvah to study Krav Maga or other self-defense techniques?   Ask King David.