How Much Should We Pay to Redeem Captives: Insights from Jewish Law
Michelle Obama, Remarks at Afternoon Hannukah Reception 2014
I want to begin with today's wonderful news. I'm told that in the Jewish tradition, one of the great mitzvahs is pidyon shvuyim. (Applause). My Hebrew is not perfect, but I get points for trying. But it describes the redemption, the freeing, of captives. And that's what we're celebrating today, because after being unjustly held in Cuba for more than five years, American Alan Gross is free. (Applause).
Letter from Noam and Aviva Shalit to their son, Gilad Shalit, Jun 27 2006
Our dear, sweet Gilad,
Mom and Dad, Yoel and Hadas are very concerned for you, want to hear [from] you and are hoping you are well and feeling all right – as good as possible in your condition.
We are hoping you can read this, and we want you to know that everything possible is being done to bring you home to Mitzpe Hila and the Galilee, as quickly as possible, to your family, your room that’s waiting for you (and to help us with the B & B rooms).
Know that we’re thinking of you all the time and hoping you’re managing somehow and surviving these difficult moments.
We know and believe that whoever is holding you also has a family and knows what we’re going through and will know to watch over you and your health.
Loving you and encouraging you,
Mom and Dad
ים של שלמה, ד:סו
שמעתי על מהר”ם מרוטנבר”ק ז”ל שהיה תפוס במגדול אייגזהם[!] כמה שנים, והשר תבע מן הקהלות סך גדול, והקהלות היו רוצים לפדותו, ולא הניח, כי אמר אין פודין השבויים יותר מכדי דמיהם.
Yam Shel Shlomo, 4:66
I heard that the Maharam of Rothenberg z"l was held captive in the tower of Ensisheim for a few years. The Emperor demanded a large sum from the community, and the community wanted to redeem him, but he would not agree to it, since he said that we don't redeem captives for more than their worth.