Yisroel does not conform to the opinion of the Rambam. In his definition of a milchemes mitzva, the Rambam includes a war which is fought to defend Bnei Yisroel from their enemies; this could take place even outside of Eretz Yisroel.2 Therefore, according to the Rambam, the expression “ki seitzei” still requires explanation. Furthermore, in his commentary to the Chumash, Rashi cites a different source as to how we know that this parsha is discussing a milchemes reshus. The source states that since the parsha discusses the taking of captives, it must be a milchemes reshus, for in a milchemes mitzva we are commanded not to leave anyone alive.3 According to this explanation, we do not need “ki seitzei” to teach us that the parsha is discussing a milchemes reshus. What is the Torah teaching us with the use of this expression?

When blessing Yaakov, Yitzchak makes the following statement: “hakol kol Yaakov vehayadayim yedai Eisav” - “The voice is Yaakov’s voice and the hands are those of Eisav.” The Talmud comments that no prayer can be successful without the power of Yaakov, and no military battle victorious without the power of Eisav. The implication is that even the Jews require the powers of Eisav to succeed in war.4

The nature of a Jew is to avoid confrontation. His sensitivity makes war an alien concept to him. A descendant of Eisav is, by nature, a warrior, and his competitive personality seeks confrontation. Asking a Jew to wage war means requesting him to undergo a complete psychological metamorphosis; he must take on the demeanor of an Eisav. This is alluded to by the expression “ki seitzei” - “when you go out”; when a Jew goes to war, he must exit his psyche as a descendant of Yaakov, and take on the demeanor of Eisav.

With the understanding that this is by no means an easy mantle for a Jew to assume, the Torah teaches us how to accomplish this change. “Al oyvecha” - “against your enemies” indicates that the focus must be upon our enemies. If we view the person upon whom we are waging war as our enemy at all times, we will be able to maintain the “Eisav” mindset which is necessary to succeed in war.

1.Sotah 35b 2.Yad Hilchos Melachim 5:1 3.21:10 citing the Sifri 4.Gittin 57b

Quick Halacha:

A person may not boil food in a meat pot if it is to be eaten with dairy. Foods prepared in a meat pot may, however, be served in the course to a dairy meal, providing that they are not actually eaten with dairy.