Torah and Tactics: Jewish Ethics, Just War and the State of Israel

Jewish ethical thought has teachings that often parallel the Western “Just War” tradition, which defines conditions under which war is morally permissible. In what ways do Jewish teachings align with or differ from this tradition? How does Jewish teaching relate to views of just war in contemporary Western democracies? Given that the State of Israel is a contemporary democracy, how does its conduct of war relate to Jewish and Western norms, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack? 

In this talk, emeritus professor of Jewish philosophy Alan Mittleman will evaluate the resources in Jewish ethics that can contribute to more humane conduct in war as well as those elements of the tradition that complicate such efforts. 

View the full event details and register to attend this public lecture.