An oversimplified guideline may be that it is right to fight for an issue rather than against an issue. There are many exceptions to this rule of thumb - some of which will be presented on this page.

You may want to fight for a situation, service, or product for many reasons:

• In order to leave your mark on the world
• If you want people to recognize your abilities
• If you want the satisfaction of achieving a worthwhile goal

If you give an issue of merit the right amount of energy, skills, knowledge, and ability, then you may be able to approach a high chance of success. You alone can determine how much effort to expend in order to succeed.

You will enjoy a win-win situation if you fight for an issue or policy. If you work hard enough and if your idea is good enough, then you will have the satisfaction of developing something valuable. You stand a good chance of success if you try hard enough. You know that at the end of your successful fight you will have promoted a positive action.

You may choose to fight for something that does not yet exist. In this way, you may be able to present something new to the world. Try to use the requisite amount of enough tact, so that you may be able to present your innovation in a way that does not offend the sensitivities of those who want to have it otherwise. It's always better (but not always feasible) to avoid creating enemies in the process.

The Jewish approach

Should Jews fight against issues? Of course! If somebody does something wrong, then a good Jew should stand up and act.

Judaism sees fighters as those who have a weak personality. A good Jew can overcome his desire to fight meaninglessly.

On the other hand, in certain, specified areas Jews are expected to fight - in order to achieve a Jewish cause that is just. This has nothing to do with their personality or desires. It's an issue of right and wrong - and standing up for issues that are right. This category includes rebuking somebody who did wrong (with specific limitations) and fighting for the Land of Israel, and fighting - and possibly dying - rather than committing three major transgressions.

Pinchas is noted for his efforts to take a strong stand. Queen Esther was exhorted by her uncle Mordechai to take a stand. Jews are proud of those who stood up against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.