A merciful and pragmatic military

Hi,

"We are instructed that when we lay siege to a city, we must leave one of the directions without siege, so that if they wish to flee then they will have a place for flight. This way we will learn to act with mercy even with our enemies in a time of war, and it will also help in that we will give them an avenue to flee and they will not strengthen themselves against us."

מצוה חמישית שנצטוינו כשנצור על עיר להניח אחת מן הרוחות בלי מצור שאם ירצו לברוח יהיה להם דרך לנוס משם כי בזה נלמוד להתנהג בחמלה אפילו עם אויבינו בעת המלחמה ובו עוד תקון שנפתח להם פתח שיברחו ולא יתחזקו לקראתינו...

(Ramban to Sefer haMitzvot, Added Aseh 5)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Influencing our thoughts via our actions

Hi,

"After deeds are hearts drawn."

אחרי הפעולות נמשכים הלבבות.

(Sefer haChinuch, Mitzvah 16)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Boredom and depression

Hi,


"Inactivity leads to depression."

(Mishnah, Ketuvot 59b)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Crowd psychology

Hi,

Preface:
1. In capital cases, the Sanhedrin heard all of the evidence, asked any questions, and then met to deliberate.
2. Capital cases could not be decided on the same day the evidence was heard; the court was required to deliberate at least into the next day.

"If the entire court believes the defendant is guilty, the defendant is freed.

"Why? Because we have learned that we hold judgment until the next day in order to permit the judges to find merit for the defendant, and these judges will no longer be able to see merit for him."

(Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 17a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai