In both massacres many victims bled to death during the hours that the SWAT team took to slowly clear the building, fearful of setting off bombs in the case in Littleton or fearful of the gunman himself in the 101 California incident. In recent years the Jewish community of the Bay Area has moved to the forefront of the gun prohibition movement. Such laws make students easier prey for criminals. As victims of violence throughout history, the Jewish people are keenly aware of the omnipresence of violence. However, what Jewish ethics fear most is the potential moral price attendant upon responding to violence with violence, as reflected in the story of Jacob's fear of meeting his brother Esau after Jacob betrayed him, a fear for both lives.
Violence is repulsive and at best is a necessary evil.
However, Jewish law requires that one commit violence in the defense of one's own life or in the defense of an imperiled party. In other words, killing a potential murderer is necessary to protect the sanctity of the life of the potential victim. The writer is a San Francisco software consultant and an officer with the Golden Gate United National Rifle Association members' council. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.