Shoftim

Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9

Key Takeaways

(1-Minute Read)

WHAT HAPPENED

Moses establishes laws for judges, kings, priests, and prophets. He describes cities of refuge for accidental killers, laws of warfare, unsolved murders, and inheritance rights for daughters.

KEY QUOTE

"Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God gives you."

— Deuteronomy 16:20

KEY LESSON

Justice is the foundation of society, requiring impartial judges, righteous leadership, and systems that protect both the innocent and the vulnerable.

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 Shoftim ('Judges') establishes the institutions of justice and leadership that will govern Israelite society in the Promised Land. Moses emphasizes that justice must be pursued relentlessly, creating a society where righteousness prevails.

The parsha describes the requirements for judges and judicial procedures, ensuring impartiality and truth. It establishes the office of king, with limitations to prevent tyranny, requiring the king to write his own Torah scroll and rule according to divine law.

Laws for priests and Levites are given, ensuring their support and proper function. The parsha also establishes criteria for true prophets, distinguishing them from false ones, and mandates obedience to authentic prophetic messages.

Cities of refuge are designated for protection of accidental killers, and laws of warfare emphasize ethical conduct in battle. The parsha concludes with procedures for unsolved murders and inheritance rights for daughters without brothers.

Learn More

Dive deeper into Shoftim 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.