Positive Energy

8: The sheriffs must then speak additionally to the people and say, ‘Is there anyone who is fearful and fainthearted? He must go and return to his house, so as not to cause the heart of his brothers to melt as his heart

War is dangerous. Nobody wants to be in one. Nobody dreams of being on the front lines. Everyone would rather be home, with their families, safe. So when you read this, the “fearful and fainthearted” exemption sounds like an easy out. If you’re scared, you get to go home? That’s it?

But Jewish history doesn’t show us mass deserters. Time and time again, our people have faced impossible odds, and yet we see soldiers stand, fight, and give everything. For context, a typical IDF callup during the beginning of wars has over a 100% response rate. So why would the Torah put in such a clause if, historically, we don’t really see it being used?

The answer, I think, is in the second half of the pasuk: “so that he does not cause the heart of his brothers to melt like his own.” This exemption isn’t really about you. It’s about everyone else. The Torah is teaching us something deep about morale. Fear is contagious. Even if you think, “I can manage my fear; I’ll control it,” your energy speaks louder than you realize. People feel it. It spreads.

The Torah actually lists other exemptions before this one; someone who just built a house but hasn’t inaugurated it, someone who planted a vineyard but hasn’t eaten from it, someone who’s engaged but hasn’t yet married. Those people might think, “I can handle it; I’ll fight anyway.” But the Torah says, “No. Go home.” Because your distraction and unspoken anxiety, impacts the people around you.

You see this so clearly in Israel today. Walk into a room full of soldiers before a mission; you feel the energy. You don’t need anyone to say a word; it hangs in the air. Morale isn’t just a buzzword; it’s everything and one person’s unease can ruin an entire unit.

It’s the same in life, too. We tell ourselves, “I can handle my stress; I won’t let it affect anyone else.” But the truth is that energy leaks out (positively and negatively). At home, at work and in relationships, people sense what you carry, even when you don’t say a word.

These pesukim reminds us to be aware of the effect we have on others, even when we think it’s just “our issue.” Also, sometimes taking a step back isn’t weakness; it’s responsibility. Because when the people around you are relying on each other, the energy you bring into the room can literally saves lives.

Shabbat Shalom!