Pacifism (Jewish)

• Judaism = peace religion, but not necessarily pacifism - war = sometimes necessary but strive for peace.
• Significant numbers of Jews believe teachings of Judaism inspire non-violence.
• In Jewish scriptures = many battles where God supports the Israelites against their enemies.
• Some phrases in Torah make people think Judaism permits war and revenge - e.g. God portrayed as warrior, “eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot.” Samuel 22:15
• Teaching about proportionality = limit revenge, someone cuts off hand, must only cut off their hand, nothing else.
• Peace = important to Jews but believe there will be times war and violence = acceptable
• Believe most wars = wrong, and peaceful approach must be attempted before fight.
• Believe acceptable to fight in self defence.
• Greetings = ”shalom” - Hebrew, peace and prosperity, conveying idea of being happy and content.