שׁוֹפְטִים - Shoftim

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Parsha Summary

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This week’s reading, Shoftim, addresses fundamental issues pertaining to the leadership of the Jewish people. It begins with a discussion regarding judges, and later gives rules pertaining to kings, prophets and kohanim (priests). Many commandments are introduced in this week’s reading, including: appointing judges, the obligation to follow rabbinic law and the words of the prophets, the obligations of a king, the punishment for perjury, the laws of war, and the procedure for dealing with unsolved murders.

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Narrative Summary

1st Aliyah

We are commanded to appoint judges in every city of Israel. These judges are instructed to adjudicate fairly. Capital punishment is prescribed for idolatry, and various idolatrous practices are banned. The sacrifices we offer to G‑d must be free of blemishes. We must follow the rulings of the Sanhedrin (the rabbinic supreme court) and of the Oral Law. Refusal to accept the Sanhedrin’s authority is a capital offense.

2nd Aliyah

Moses instructs the Israelites to coronate a king after they enter Israel. A Jewish king may not amass an excessive amount of horses, wives or personal wealth. The king writes for himself two Torah scrolls. One of them remains with him at all times—a constant reminder to remain humble and follow G‑d’s law.

Source: Chabad.org

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