Torah and Tactics: Jewish Ethics, Just War and the State of Israel

Event description

Academic events
Free
Inclusion
Open to the public

Jewish ethical thought has teachings that often parallel the Western “Just War” tradition, which defines conditions under which war is morally permissible. In what ways do Jewish teachings align with or differ from this tradition? How does Jewish teaching relate to views of just war in contemporary Western democracies? Given that the State of Israel is a contemporary democracy, how does its conduct of war relate to Jewish and Western norms, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack?

This talk will evaluate the resources in Jewish ethics that can contribute to more humane conduct in war as well as those elements of the tradition that complicate such efforts.

This Humanities Week 2025 event is a partnership between the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and Jewish Studies at Arizona State University.

About the speaker

Alan Mittleman is the Aaron Rabinowitz and Simon H. Rifkind Emeritus Professor of Jewish Philosophy at The Jewish Theological Seminary. Mittleman’s teaching and research explore the intersection of Jewish thought and Western philosophy in ethics, political theory and religion. He has written eight books, including Does Judaism Condone Violence? (2018) and his most recent volume, Absurdity and Meaning in Contemporary Philosophy and Jewish Thought (2023).

His many articles, essays and reviews appear in major journals and reference volumes. Active in interfaith dialogue, he has addressed the U.S. Senate, met with Pope John Paul II, appeared in major media outlets, and served on the advisory boards of Pew, Templeton and Ethikon.

Logistics

This event is hosted by the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and will take place on the ASU Tempe campus in the Pima Auditorium (Room 230) of the Memorial Union, and will be livestreamed through the Center's YouTube channel. Registration is required to attend this event, so whether you plan to participate via live stream or in-person, we appreciate you taking a moment to register. Your confirmation email will provide detailed directions to the venue, including parking information and key live-stream details. The event will consist of a lecture from Prof. Mittleman, followed by audience Q&A and a reception offering light refreshments.