Rhetoric about “Endless Wars” Only Gives Comfort to America’s Enemies
Instead of talking about ending wars, we should focus on winning them.
November 13, 2026
Why a 13th-century rabbi made no apologies for Esau.
Civilizational conflict is, in a certain sense, the subject of this week’s Torah reading, at least when seen through the lens of traditional rabbinic interpretation. Its main subject is the birth of Jacob and Esau and the emergence of the rivalry between them. The talmudic sages take Esau—and Edom, the kingdom his descendants founded—as a stand-in for Rome, the great oppressor of Jews in their day. Later generations of rabbis extended this symbolism to Christian Europe.
Instead of talking about ending wars, we should focus on winning them.
To understand the organization’s challenges, start by getting the history right.
In three speeches, the secretary of state made the case for the West.
Why a 13th-century rabbi made no apologies for Esau.
Highlighting communal customs and aesthetics across the Jewish world.
November 13, 2026
Why a 13th-century rabbi made no apologies for Esau.
Civilizational conflict is, in a certain sense, the subject of this week’s Torah reading, at least when seen through the lens of traditional rabbinic interpretation. Its main subject is the birth of Jacob and Esau and the emergence of the rivalry between them. The talmudic sages take Esau—and Edom, the kingdom his descendants founded—as a stand-in for Rome, the great oppressor of Jews in their day. Later generations of rabbis extended this symbolism to Christian Europe.
Instead of talking about ending wars, we should focus on winning them.
To understand the organization’s challenges, start by getting the history right.
In three speeches, the secretary of state made the case for the West.
Why a 13th-century rabbi made no apologies for Esau.
Highlighting communal customs and aesthetics across the Jewish world.
Unlock the most serious Jewish, Zionist, and American thinking.
Subscribe NowCivilizational conflict is, in a certain sense, the subject of this week’s Torah reading, at least when seen through the lens of traditional rabbinic interpretation. Its main subject is the birth of Jacob and Esau and the emergence of the rivalry between them. The talmudic sages take Esau—and Edom, the kingdom his descendants founded—as a stand-in for Rome, the great oppressor of Jews in their day. Later generations of rabbis extended this symbolism to Christian Europe.
Get the best Jewish ideas and conversations. $10/month.
Subscribe nowAlready subscribed? Sign in