September 7, 2024
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshat Shoftim focuses on justice, leadership, and key principles that guide the establishment of a fair and moral society during the times of the Torah. The parsha begins discussing the appointment of judges and officers in every town to ensure that justice is always followed. “Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof: Justice, justice shall you pursue.” This emphasis on fairness reflects the Torah’s concern for maintaining social harmony and righteousness.
The parsha then discusses the appointment of Jewish Kings. Kings must be chosen from Bnei Yisrael and have extra rules to follow. Kings are not allowed to have too many horses, too much wealth or too many
ONE BIG IDEA
There is a mitzvah for the king to write two Sifrei Torah for himself. One would travel with him, and one would stay behind in the palace. Even if he has a Torah from the previous king, he stillmust write his own. Why must the king write a Torah? Perhaps the message is that the king should feel that he has a personal connection to the Torah. It is his, not the palace’s. It’s not furniture. That will also remind him to lead Bnei Yisrael according to the ways of the Torah.
wives. A king must write his own copy of the Torah and study it regularly to maintain humility and a close connection to Hashem’s laws. This Torah would stay with him at all times. The king would write another Sefer Torah that would stay in the treasury.
The parsha then discusses the Kohanim and Leviim. Although they did not receive their own area in Eretz Yisrael, they received presents from Bnei Yisrael: Terumot and Maasrot. These included fruits and vegetables, meat from korbanot, and even wool from their sheep. The Kohanim were divided into twenty four Mishmarot (groups) in order to take turns working in the Beit Hamikdash.
Next, the parsha discusses Ir Miklat: a city set aside for people who accidentally killed someone. That person must remain in the city his entire life or until there is a new Kohen Gadol. There were six of these cities.
Lastly, the parsha discusses some of the laws pertaining to war. One of these rules is that you are not allowed to cut down any fruit trees for firewood because that would be wasting the fruit. We see that even in a time of war, the Torah still has rules for how we behave.
Candle-lighting: 7:00pm
Havdalah: 7:54pm
allah: 5:25pm
