“When you will go out to war against your enemies, and Hashem, your G–d, will deliver him into your hand, and you will capture its captive.” (Deuteronomy 21:10)
During the month of Elul,1 every weekly parashah [Torah reading] contains hints and references to the Yamim Nora’im [the High Holy Days] and the battle with our evil inclination. [Our job number] one is teshuvah, repentance, and the Torah reading is one of the tools providing the penitent with assistance in achieving success.
Rabbeinu Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known for his most famous composition, the Ben Ish Chai, uses a parable to explain that the opening verse of this week’s portion gives an effective tactic for spiritual warfare.
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Author: Raymond Beyda
Keywords: Evil inclination, Yetzer hara, Yetzer ha Ra, Yetzer ha Rah, Diabolos, Satanas, yetser hara, Yetser ha ra, Yetzer, Yetser, Temptation, Evil urge, Evil desire, Tempted by the devil, Tempted by Satan, etrog
Bible reference(s): Deuteronomy 21:10
Source: “Capture His Weapons,” Hamodia, September 15, 2016.
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