Maimonides' Concept of Divine Spirit Inspires Modern Israeli Warriors' Courage

Between the memorial days of Rabbi HaNazir and Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Yoel Ben-Nun revisits the topic of renewed prophecy, drawing on Maimonides' teachings to explain two initial levels: "spirit of valor" and "holy spirit." These concepts, rooted in Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, describe an internal divine awakening that empowers individuals with leadership, wisdom, and courage, especially in critical moments.

Rabbi Ben-Nun highlights biblical figures such as Othniel, Ehud, Jonathan, and King David as exemplars of the "spirit of valor," which manifests as a surge of inner strength and responsibility rather than explicit prophecy. This spirit also appeared in leaders like Jephthah, Samson, and King Asa, sometimes accompanied by negative consequences. The "holy spirit," the second level, involves speaking words of wisdom or prophecy while fully conscious, as seen in King David and Solomon's writings.

The rabbi connects these ancient concepts to contemporary times, noting how Israeli soldiers during wars, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, exhibited this "spirit of valor." He recalls the 2023 events when, despite military collapse on the Sabbath of Hoshana Rabbah, fighters acted heroically without orders, driven by this inner divine spirit. Rabbi Ben-Nun emphasizes that Maimonides regarded this spirit as the beginning of prophecy, a divine force that inspires rescue and leadership.

He concludes that the teachings of Rabbi Kook and Rabbi HaNazir, especially in works like "Kol HaNevuah," stem from this second prophetic level, the "holy spirit," and understanding these layers is essential to grasp their messages fully. This framework bridges ancient biblical spirituality with modern Israeli experiences of courage and leadership under duress.