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Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 12:44:26 -0500
From: rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Subject: Re: Jews and Weapons

Moses Friedman in Torah Forum Vol 4 number 44 raises the issue of what
attitude we should have towards weapon production and training. It turns
out that these are clearly stated laws and they may be found in Rambam,
laws of murder, Chapter 12 towards the end. Here is a summary

1) It is prohibited to sell to Goyim military (aggressive) weapons
2) It is permissable to sell them defensive weapons
3) One may sell military (agressive) weapons to ones country since they
defend the Jewish population
4) The prohibition of selling applies equally to non jews, or jews who sell
to non jews, or jewish sinners, or people of bad characters (such as evil
slaves).

I should note that the prohibitions in Chapter 12 deal with laws that
prevent or mitigate the possibility of murder.

I should also recount a personal account: A simple Jew once told me that
during the 40's, he was President of a shule, and he got up on the pulpit
and protested the sale of steel and related items to Japan (I showed him
the above Rambam)

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA
Rhendel @ mcs drexel edu