Know Thyself, Know Thy Enemy: The Art of War in Jewish History

Relationships, Conflict, and Clarity

Relationships are fundamental to the human experience. Whether with family, friends, or in the sphere of business and community, our interactions define much of our lives.

A healthy relationship requires a deep and clear understanding of both oneself and the person we seek to engage with. Without this twin foundation, all other efforts will inevitably be compromised.

This principle becomes even more critical in times of conflict. To navigate war—literal or metaphorical—knowledge of both ourselves and our adversaries is not merely useful; it is indispensable.

No one articulated this better than Sun Tzu in The Art of War:

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.”

The Oldest Hatred

As Jews, we are all too familiar with the reality of enmity. For millennia, we have endured the world’s oldest hatred—anti-Semitism—manifesting as animosity, violence, and persecution across countless nations and generations.

Our tradition offers profound guidance in confronting such hatred. The Talmud highlights the enduring wisdom of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage chosen to contend with the oppressive Roman regime. His insight endures: “It is the reality that Esau hates Jacob.”

This teaching remains acutely relevant today. When facing adversaries, we must see them clearly, understanding their motivations and nature with absolute clarity. Only then can genuine strategy and true victory be achieved.

The Spiritual Conflict and Mission

At its core, anti-Semitism stems from a spiritual conflict. The Jewish people, chosen by G-d to be a light unto the nations, hold a unique role and purpose in the world. Our historic mission is to share the Torah’s Universal Values with all mankind. This sacred calling has rightly inspired admiration from many—but also intense envy and hatred from others.

Our response must be rooted in the eternal wisdom of the Torah itself. As Sun Tzu taught and as our sages affirm: success lies in knowing yourself and knowing your opposition.

By embracing our calling, by being a potent and unapologetic light unto the nations, we simultaneously sharpen our self-knowledge and clarify our unique mission. Only this clarity allows us to fulfill our purpose, prevail against enmity, and be effective in cultivating understanding, respect, and even admiration from all mankind.