I10: Israeli M.I.A.s

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Jewish perspectives on Captives

Unfortunately, many times in Jewish history, different Jewish communities around the world have had to pay vast sums of money, to secure the safe return of Jews who were held hostage by our enemies. This difficult issue has been discussed in many traditional texts.

"The redeeming of captives (pidyon shevuyim)... is a great mitzvah." Talmud, Bava Batra 8b

Maimonides, a great medieval scholar, wrote these rules for the redemption of captives in his compilation of Jewish law called the Mishneh Torah:

"The redeeming of captives takes precedence over supporting the poor or clothing them. There is no greater mitzvah than redeeming captives for the problems of the captive include being hungry, thirsty, unclothed, and are in danger of their lives too. Ignoring the need to redeem captives goes against these Torah laws:

Do not harden your heart or shut your hand against your needy fellow (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Do not stand idly by the blood of your companion (Leviticus 19:16)

You must not deal ruthlessly over he who is in your sight (Leviticus 25:53)

Performing this mitzvah is a fulfilment of these laws:

You must surely open your hand to him (Deuteronomy 15:8)

...Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18)...

Rescue those who are drawn to death (Proverbs 24:11)

...there is no mitzvah greater than the redeeming of captives." Laws of helping the needy 8:10-11

It's that important!

During the First World War the Russians occupied many towns including Brisk. Five Jews were taken prisoner by the military government a few days before Yom Kippur and their lives were in grave danger. Rabbi Chayim Soloveitchik, the communal leader was informed that for 5000 roubles it would be possible to free them. This vast sum was very difficult to raise and as Yom Kippur approached, Rabbi Soloveitchik was still unsuccessful in his efforts. What could he do?

Immediately before Yom Kippur began, he sent messages to all the synagogues in Brisk to announce that they must not begin Kol Nidrei, the moving opening prayer of the supremely holy day, until he personally gave them permission to do so.

When Yom Kippur began, all the Jews of Brisk were sitting in their synagogues and waiting. The Rabbi went from synagogue to synagogue and announced that he could not allow them to begin praying until all the money needed had been collected to save the five captive Jews. He spoke to the rich men of the town individually and personally escorted them to their homes to collect funds. The entire evening was spent with Rabbi Soloveitchik moving all over the town to gather the money. Late that night, the tired Rabbi finally counted up 5000 roubles. He gave word that prayers could begin. The captive Jews could now be safely returned...

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