Commentary
Kahane on the Parsha
Rabbi Binyamin Kahane- Parshat Mishpatim
On the verse, “If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no blood guilt on his account” (Exodus 22:1), Rashi cites a passage in the Talmud that is certain to shock liberal Jews:
“If one comes to slay you, rise and slay him first. And this thief indeed came to kill you since he knows that a person will not stand by quietly and watch his possessions being stolen. hence, he is prepared to kill you if you confront him.”
Absolutely amazing! In other words, the Rabbis are telling us that the rule of “If one comes to slay you, rise and slay him first” does not exclusively address someone with a knife being held to his throat. The rule is much more expansive. The Rabbis teach us that a person is obligated to think a few steps ahead and anticipate. If he thinks there is a real threat that someone may kill him, he is required to “rise and slay him first.”
Published by Barbara Ginsberg