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This week’s Torah portion opens with a commandment, which—at face value—is one of the most sexist in the bible.

 Within a society and a region where men regarded women as possessions, the first sentence of this week’s parashah—however distasteful by today’s standards—does not appear out of place.

The Torah commands that after you defeat an enemy in war, you shall encourage the surviving women to shave their heads and forbid them to trim their nails, thus enabling them to mourn privately and lament the loss of their husbands.

Specifically, it dictates that if an Israelite man sees a foreign widow of “beautiful form,” he may not “take” her as his “wife.”

And in so doing, the Torah takes aim at a difficult topic often overlooked in Jewish biblical study: the connection between war and sexual assault.

Human history is plagued with examples of abuse in the aftermath of war.

We only need to look at what happened during and after 20^th Century wars in Congo, Rwanda or Bosnia—among many others.

Psychiatrists note that the act of sexual assault is often seen as the final humiliation of a foe. But this is a narrow view.

Sexual assault destroys women physically, emotionally and communally, and its prohibition is as relevant today as it was 3,000 years ago.

This week’s Torah portion presents 74 mitzvot (commandments) to consider as Moses continues his final instructions to the Jewish people before they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

Most of these commandments deal with dignity and kindness—to neighbors, to animals and even to enemies.

We are told to shoo a mother bird from her nest before taking her eggs. We are also commanded to pay a worker immediately after completing their work.

We are instructed to come to the aid of someone in need—friend or enemy—and never to profit from another’s misfortune.

Of the 613 mitzvot contained in the Torah, this week’s parashah mentions more than any other week. Among them, are war and sexual assault, which the rabbis rarely focus upon.

Yet, in the aftermath of October 7, perhaps this is an appropriate week to recall the brutal and disgusting attack against Israel on that day. Widespread sexual assault was part of Hamas’ cowardly arsenal.

Indeed, had Hamas’ incursion into Israel been a political or geographical one—as is often claimed by its supporters—it would have established military beachheads and proceeded to conquer land to the north and west.

Had October 7 been an attack based on some noble principle, Hamas would not have focused on the abuse of Israel’s most vulnerable—women, children and seniors —before running away with captives.

Indeed, if we are looking for a true example of genocide, then let us consider Hamas’ abusive conduct on that day.

How interesting that at the close of this week’s Torah portion, we are warned, “Do Not Forget” about the ancient nation of Amalek, who—as the Israelites were leaving Egypt en route to the Promised Land—attacked from the rear, robbing, injuring and killing those who were physically and mentally challenged, along with seniors and others who moved slowly.

The connection between Amalek and Hamas’ attack, which occurred exactly 700 days ago, is too obvious to ignore.

During my time spent in southern Israel in the aftermath of October 7, I spoke with survivors. What proved to be most devastating for Israeli residents, was the fact that so many Palestinians joined Hamas across the border and helped direct their attacks and assaults.

My wife once shared with me that when it is her time to meet God, one of the first questions she will ask is, “How is it possible that a man, in the aftermath of war, will turn his attention to the abuse of women?”

The Torah considers the surging adrenalin that occurs during war and devotes a full commandment to the protection of women.

Jewish civil rights lawyer Rachel Farbiarz once noted:

“Rape is a hideous crime for which neither war—nor our law—must extend cover.” 

Last March, a United Nations report investigating the events of October 7 concluded that there are “reasonable grounds to believe” sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7.”

It’s an astounding conclusion emanating from the UN, which—for more than 60 years—has shown open bias against Israel.

That is why, the opening of this week’s Torah portion, however distasteful, must be taken seriously.

Moreover, those responsible for October 7 and its obscenities must be brought to justice.

If you are looking to direct funds to assist those in Israel who were attacked on October 7 and others, please consider donating to the Hadassah Foundation, Israeli Victims of Sexual Abuse and Rape, or other women's rape counselling and recovery organizations.

As for this week’s Torah portion, which contains so many famous and uplifting mitzvot—let us note that the portion begins with a warning from Moses to the Israelites never to engage in the abuse of women—especially those who survive war.

As Jews, we find war distasteful. Ever more a reason to enable its survivors—however hurt and broken—to mourn and reclaim their lives.

Today, the idea of shaving a woman’s head may appear misogynistic. But in its day, the practice reflected a rare acknowledgement of a woman’s welfare.

There is no place for assault within Jewish values and our holy connection with God.

To us, the concept is so distasteful that we will pursue those who perpetrate this abhorrent practice—into whatever tunnels and sanctuaries where they may hide.

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman