When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week I learned about Parashat Shoftim (שֹׁפְטִים), the 48th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings.
According to Wikipedia, Shoftim (שֹׁפְטִים), Deuteronomy 16:18 through 21:9, contains 5,590 Hebrew letters, 1,523 words, 97 verses and makes up 192 lines of the Torah scroll.
Shoftim, the Hebrew word for “Judges”, sets forth rules of conduct related to judges, kings, Levites, prophets, cities of refuge, witnesses, war and unsolved murders. .
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Shoftim for Shabbat September 7, 2024 aka 4 Elul 5784:
“Torah portion Shofetim, that we read this week contains a very significant commandment in Chapter 19 Verse 3 which states, “When you settle in your cities and your houses….. prepare a way for yourself”. What does this verse imply? Rashi comments that this means that cites must have clearly marked street signs so that no stranger will ever get lost. Rambam expands on this to give specific measurements for roads and street signs which are clearly visible. Why the emphasis on directions? The answer is safety!
The Torah which gives us physical direction and guidance is also concerned that people’s lives are protected by roadways and walkways that are clearly delineated. As archaeologists uncover more of the ancient cities of Israel, they marvel at how well organized and mapped out they were!
On a spiritual level, we realize that this Torah portion which is read during the month of Elul is meant as a reminder that we also need ethical and spiritual signposts to guide us on the right path. As a young yeshiva student, my guiding Rabbi, used to comment that, “on the road of life, G-d accepts u-turns” If we fail to heed the directional road signs of life, we may end up lost and forlorn. The month of Elul reminds us to increase our mindfulness of the street signs of our lives and follow the correct path that leads to justice, peace, happiness and fulfillment.
Questions for Discussion:
- How is a true prophet to be distinguished from a false prophet?
- What punishment is meted out to a person who is an untruthful witness?
- Why were cities of refuge needed wherever Jews live in Israel?
- What are the 4 specifics of those prohibited from going to war?
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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