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When Is Shof'tim Read?
/ 2 Elul 5786
/ 2 Elul 5787
/ 4 Elul 5788
Summary
- Laws regarding both sacred and secular legislation are addressed. The Israelites are told that in every dealing they should pursue justice in order to merit the land that God is giving them. (16:18–18:8)
- The people are warned to avoid sorcery and witchcraft, the abhorrent practices of their idolatrous neighbors. (18:9–22)
- God tells them that should an Israelite unintentionally kill another, he may take sanctuary in any of three designated cities of refuge. (19:1–13)
- Laws to be followed during times of peace and times of war are set forth. (19:14–21:9)
More Shof'tim Commentaries
- Motives Matter: Choosing Leaders Well
- Who Should I Say is Ruling?
- Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue
- Social Justice in My Bones
- What the Torah Teaches about the Use (and Abuse) of Political Power
- Finding Meaning in the Middle
- On Judges, Kings, Priests, and Prophets: Is the Jewish-Leadership Status Quo Sufficient?
- Shof’tim for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
- Set a King Over Yourself
- Listen to Your Prophets . . . But Don’t Be Deceived!
Video: Learn More About Parashat Shof'tim With Bim Bam
Listen to Podcasts About Parashat Shof'tim
Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs discuss Parashat Shoftim in these episodes of his podcast, On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah.
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Ten Minutes of Torah: Shof'tim Commentary
Who Judges the Judges?
By: Rebecca Good
The name of this week's parashah, Shof’tim, translates to “judges,” and could be interpreted as a precursor to the modern legal system.
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