Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
Thoughts can give life. Thoughts can kill.
For example, a soldier. The Torah commands a soldier at war, “Do not allow your heart to weaken. Do not fear. Do not panic.”
Imagine this: An army is racing towards you. Your eyes have witnessed their savagery. How can you command your heart not to fear?
Maimonides explains: Don't think those thoughts and you will not fear. Dodge them as you dodge a flying arrow.
Because such thoughts threaten not only your life, they endanger the entire nation.
A soldier must think only one thought: What must I do right now?
Today, we are all soldiers.