1. Layers of Meaning in Kisetzei LaMilchoma
The parashah begins with the verse kisetzei la milchoma al oyvecha—when you go out to war over your enemies. On a simple level, this refers to the laws of war, a literal battle against enemies. However, as with all Torah, there are deeper layers beneath the surface. The Torah is compared to an onion: peel away one layer and you find another, each with its own meaning and depth. Certain phrases in this verse become much clearer when understood through the lens of penimiyus haTorah—the inner dimension of Torah.
For example, why does the verse say “over your enemies” (al oyvecha) instead of “against your enemies” or “with your enemies”? Additionally, the verse seems to skip over the actual act of war. It simply says you go out to war and God will deliver your enemy into your hand, without mentioning any fighting or struggle. This omission hints at a deeper message within the words.
2. The Inner Battle: Yetzer Horeh as Our Enemy
The Rebbe explains that this verse can be applied on a personal level: each person has their own oyev—enemy—within themselves. This refers to the well-known Yetzer Horeh—the evil inclination—which pushes us away from serving Hashem. The Yetzer Horeh and nefesh habahamis—the animal soul—both seek control over a person’s actions and desires.
Unlike an external enemy that one might wish to destroy, our goal is not to annihilate the nefesh habahamis. Rather, we aim to conquer it so it no longer disrupts our service of Hashem. This is not an easy task, especially since negative habits and character traits can become deeply ingrained over time.
The Gemara notes that the Yetzer Horeh enters a person from birth, while the Yetzer Tov—good inclination—only arrives at bar mitzvah (age 13). As a result, negative tendencies can become entrenched before positive ones have a chance to take root. Overcoming these habits requires real effort—a true battle.
3. The Power of Resolve: Kisetzei as Commitment
The Rebbe teaches that the main requirement is not necessarily to fight an actual battle but rather to make a firm decision and commitment: kisetzei la milchoma—to go out to war. The Torah doesn’t describe waging war because sometimes all that’s needed is resolve and readiness for battle. When you decide not to let your Yetzer Horeh, your animal soul, dominate you, that itself is already half the victory.
This is why the verse says “al oyvecha”—over your enemies—rather than “im oyvecha”—with your enemies. From the outset, you are placed above them by virtue of your determination and commitment.
The Rebbe Ma’arash would say that when going out to war, one should sing a song of victory even before anything has been won. That confidence and certainty itself brings about victory—just by going out with resolve (kisetzei la milchoma) you are already “over” (al oyvecha) your enemy.
4. Divine Assistance in Overcoming Challenges
The verse continues: “u’nesano Hashem Elokecha beyadecha”—God will give him into your hand. When you make that initial step and commitment toward serving Hashem, Hashem helps you succeed beyond what seems possible on your own.
This idea is illustrated by Chazal’s teaching: if you open up even as much as the eye of a needle (kechuda shel machat) in spiritual effort, Hashem opens for you like wide palace gates (pischo shel ulam). All that’s required from us is resolve—the willingness to step out and begin—and Hashem provides abundant help in return.
5. Harnessing the Power of the Yetzer Horeh
The Torah promises not only victory but also transformation: “v’shoviso shivyo”—you will capture its captive. Chassidus explains this through an analogy with an ox: if left wild, an ox can cause great damage with its strength. But if harnessed for plowing, its power produces abundant crops—far more than any tame animal could provide.
The same applies to our inner struggles. The Yetzer Horeh’s force is powerful—sometimes overwhelmingly so—but if we redirect that energy toward serving Hashem rather than destructive purposes, it becomes a tremendous asset in our spiritual growth.
This means channeling strong desires or passions away from negativity and using them instead for positive pursuits—turning what was once an obstacle into fuel for greater love and awe of Hashem than could be achieved otherwise.
6. Conquering vs Breaking: True Victory in Avodas Hashem
The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos says: “Eizehu gibor? Hakoveish es yitzro”—Who is mighty? One who conquers his inclination. It does not say “one who breaks his inclination.” If you try merely to break or suppress the Yetzer Horeh, it may only return stronger or multiply.
The goal is not destruction but mastery—Kovesh es yitzro: taking control so that those same energies now serve holiness rather than opposition. By conquering rather than breaking, we integrate those strengths into our service of Hashem.
7. Applying These Lessons During Elul
This approach is especially relevant during Elul—a time when we strive for closeness with Hashem through introspection and renewed effort in our avodah (service). By making even small steps forward with sincerity and resolve, we merit divine assistance far beyond our own capabilities.
This process transforms our inner challenges into sources of blessing and strength in our relationship with Hashem—leading us toward a new year filled with growth and success in all areas of avodas Hashem.