In this shiur, we will look at the notion of war as expressed in series of parshiyyot within Parashat Shoftim about Israel going to war.
These parshiyyot present a comprehensive approach, discussing who goes, who is exempt; if a call for peace is to be made or not, proper conduct for sieges, and in the next parasha - captive situations. We will examine various stages of war and ask what is going on in some of the strange features that are present. Why ask people if they are afraid? What is the role of the Kohen on the battlefield?