A Sacred Shield – The Jewish Perspective on Self-Defense

The Jewish faith teaches the importance of preserving life and the right to protect oneself and one’s family. In the Torah, we find various instances where self-defense is not only acknowledged but mandated in circumstances of danger. Deuteronomy 22:2 encourages the safeguarding of one’s home: “If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed.” This implies that defending oneself against aggression is not only permissible but a moral obligation when there is a credible threat. In the darkness of night, when one is vulnerable, the Jewish tradition upholds that the preservation of life may involve taking necessary precautions to ensure safety, relying on the wisdom of the sages who encourage vigilance and preparedness. May we uphold the right to defend ourselves while remaining committed to the principles of justice and the sanctity of life.

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