Halakhah zu Kohelet 3:1

Centuries ago King Solomon wrote, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every object of desire under the heavens. … A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 3:7-8). Events of the summer of 1982 illuminate the juxtaposition of the last two verses. Indeed, there is a time to speak of war and of peace and a time when political and military considerations augur for silence. Unfortunately, the lesson that emanates from these biblical verses is not understood by all.