The Sixth section /Parsha of the Chumash / Book of Deuteronomy continues Moses’ second farewell address to the Jewish people. Moses reviews many aspects of Jewish Law, dealing with going out to war.

Moses tells the Jewish people, “if you go out to (an optional) war…” 21:10

Our ability to succeed in our Divine mission to vanquish evil in the world at large is directly proportional to our success in vanquishing the evil within ourselves. This inner battle with evil is daily prayer, in which we strive to empower our Divine souls over our materialistic, animal drives.

What therefore, is the meaning of an “optional war” surely, we should strive to confront every instance of evil we perceive within ourselves?

The answer is yes, but there is another way to vanquish our inner negativity confronted in prayer: Studying the Torah. Torah study fills our consciousness with Divine awareness, and this can largely dissipate the evil within us. Whereas the direct confrontation in prayer requires strenuous effort, the effect of Torah study is virtually effortless.

Thus, whenever there is an option to do away with evil through Torah study, talking the route of direct confrontation during prayer becomes “optional” war. Eliminating evil through Torah study renders the need for battle in prayer unnecessary, transforming prayer into the simple, serene expression of Divine consciousness.

With our prayers for our IDF heroes, the displaced people of Israel and the safe return of our hostages’ to their families loving embrace, with an everlasting peace with Moshiach.

Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat and successful week to follow.