Parasha Shoftim (שופטים) — Devarim 16:18 – 21:9. Read on Shabbat, September 4, 2027.
Summary of Parasha Shoftim
Moshe commands that judges and officers be appointed in every city, who will judge the people justly, without partiality or bribery: “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” A conviction requires at least two witnesses. Difficult cases are to be brought before the kohanim, the Levi’im and the judge serving at that time, at the place that G-d will choose. If the people want a king, they must choose him from among their brothers; the king shall not multiply horses, wives, or silver and gold, and he shall write for himself a copy of the Torah, which he is to read every day of his life, so that his heart will not be lifted above his brothers. The kohanim and the Levi’im have no portion in the land and receive gifts instead. Moshe forbids divination and sorcery, and announces that G-d will raise up a prophet from among the people. He commands that cities of refuge be established, and that a false witness be punished. The Torah then sets the laws of war: the kohen encourages the army, and certain men are sent home, among them the one who is afraid; peace must be offered first, and fruit trees must not be destroyed. Finally, in the case of a murder whose perpetrator is unknown, the elders of the nearest city perform the rite of the heifer and declare: “Our hands have not shed this blood.”
The Themes
- Pursuing justice
- The limits of the king’s power
- Respecting nature even in war
Rav Raphaël Benizri’s Lectures on Shoftim
There are no lectures by the Rav on this parasha yet. Find all the available lectures on the Weekly Parasha page.
A Question for the Shabbat Table
The king must read the Torah every day so as not to lift himself above his brothers: how can we remain humble when one bears responsibility?
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Summary by the Pensées Juives editorial team. The Rav’s teachings are found in his lectures, linked above.