GEN1361 … there are a number of rabbinic teachings which deal with considerations of conscience for the individual facing a situation of war. Significant is the fact that in these life-and-death confrontations, limitations, and scruples are explicitly affirmed as appropriate. This is so in both individual and collective confrontations. 1. “It has been taught by Rabbi Jonathan ben Saul: If one was pursuing his fellow to slay him, and the pursued could have saved himself by maiming a limb of the pursuer, but instead killed his pursuer, the pursued is subject to execution on that account.” Talmud Sanhedrin 74a.   2.   Especially revealing are the classical rabbinic comments on the anticipation of war between Jacob and Esau, deriving from [This verse]:   “’Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed.’ R. Judah b. R. Ilai said: Are not fear and distress identical? The meaning, however, is that ‘he was afraid’ lest he should be slain, ‘and was distressed’ lest he should slay. For Jacob thought: If he prevails against me, will he not slay me; while if I am stronger than he, will I not slay him? That is the meaning of ‘he was afraid’—lest he should be slain; ‘and was distressed’ – lest he should slay.” Genesis Rabbah 76:2.  Another rabbinic comment ascribes to Jacob the following sentiment: “If he overpowers me, that is bad, and if I overpower him, that is bad!”   Lekach Tov, cited in Torah Shlemah (ed. M. Kasher), Vol. 6, page 1266, footnote 49. (By Everett E. Gendler, "War and the Jewish Tradition") KELLNER 203