Ki Teitzei

When you go out

Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19

Key Takeaways

(1-Minute Read)

WHAT HAPPENED

Moses teaches laws about warfare captives, inheritance rights, lost property, tzitzit, prohibited marriages, social welfare, ethical warfare, and proper conduct. The parsha emphasizes compassion, justice, and remembrance of God.

KEY QUOTE

"You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep driven away and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly return them to your brother. And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother seeks it, and you shall restore it to him."

— Deuteronomy 22:1-2

KEY LESSON

Ethical living requires both justice and compassion, extending care to strangers, animals, and the vulnerable while maintaining personal and communal holiness.

Illustration for Ki Teitzei - When you go out

3-Minute Summary

The Words of the Torah Explained with Help from Rashi and Ramban

Rashi (1040-1105) was a medieval French rabbi whose commentary on the Torah and Talmud is considered essential reading. His explanations focus on the plain meaning of the text and are known for their clarity and accessibility.

Ramban (1194-1270) was a Spanish rabbi, physician, and philosopher who provided deeper mystical and philosophical insights into the Torah, often building upon Rashi's work while adding his own profound interpretations.

Parsha Ki Teitzei ('When you go out') contains a comprehensive collection of laws governing ethical conduct in warfare, marriage, business, and daily life. The parsha emphasizes that ethical behavior extends to all areas of life, creating a society of compassion and justice.

Laws about warfare prohibit mistreatment of female captives and require humane treatment. Inheritance laws ensure proper succession, while laws about lost property mandate returning found items to their owners. The commandment of tzitzit (fringes) on garments serves as a constant reminder of God's commandments.

The parsha prohibits various illicit relationships and emphasizes social welfare, including care for the poor, widows, and orphans. It also contains laws about ethical business practices, proper weights and measures, and care for animals.

Throughout, the parsha emphasizes remembrance of past suffering (Egyptian slavery) as motivation for ethical behavior toward the vulnerable.

Learn More

Dive deeper into Ki Teitzei through various Jewish traditions and commentaries. Click on any section to expand and explore that perspective.

Lubavitcher Rebbe

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Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe of Chabad, was a spiritual leader who emphasized bringing Jewish wisdom to the modern world through practical application and outreach.

Hillel the Elder

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Hillel the Elder (110 BCE - 10 CE) was a leading Jewish sage known for his patient teaching style and famous saying: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.'

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

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Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020) was the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, known for making Jewish thought accessible to modern audiences through books and public speaking.

For Men & Women

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This perspective explores how the Torah's teachings apply differently to men and women, recognizing the unique spiritual roles and responsibilities of each gender.

Kabbalah

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Kabbalah is Jewish mysticism that explores the hidden, spiritual dimensions of the Torah through symbolic interpretation and meditation on divine emanations.

Halachic Codes

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Halachic codes are systematic compilations of Jewish law (halacha) that organize the Torah's commandments into practical guidelines for daily living.

Mishnah

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The Mishnah (200 CE) is the first major written collection of Jewish oral traditions, compiled by Rabbi Judah the Prince, forming the foundation of the Talmud.

Talmud

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The Talmud (500 CE) is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, containing extensive discussions and debates about Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy.

Prophets & Writings

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This includes the books of the Prophets (Nevi'im) and Writings (Ketuvim), which provide historical context and spiritual insights that complement the Torah.