When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week we read from 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 August 30, 2025 aka 6 Elul 5785:
“What is the greatest value in Judaism? Sedra Shofetim teaches us that the greatest value is justice. Even in the earliest sections of the Torah, G-d teaches Noah 7 Laws and among those Noahide Laws is the establishment of a system of Justice. This emphasizes that G-d’s decree to destroy the entire world with the antediluvian flood was brought about because of the terrible injustice which pervaded the world at that time. Many in our generation are witness to the terrible injustice on a global scale against our people, the people of Ukraine, and others who are the victims of brutal regimes. Injustice begets brutality which is pervasive in the world today.
How do we ensure that this trend is reversed? First, we exemplify justice in our homes and in our community. We teach our children and grandchildren the values of doing mitzvot and the negative effects of doing injustice. We extend that to the way we act toward others and reach out to others who need our assistance. We make our community a Kehillat Kodesh – A Holy Community. We insist that the judges and civic leaders protect and defend the laws and speak out when we see injustice being done. We advocate for justice on a global scale. Justice is not about revenge but those who brutalize our people and others must beheld accountable.
Our system of jurisprudence in America has been tainted by judges and attorneys who favor those with money and influence and who allow criminals to run rampant victimizing the innocent without penalty or punishment. It is not unusual today to hear of civil or criminal cases lagging on for years before punishment is meted out. The saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied”, seems to be the norm and not the exception. The Torah envisions with the words, “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof” a world where justice is pursued and is synonymous with righteousness. Let us quietly teach our family the values of justice but speak loudly against those who perpetuate injustice against our people and others thus bringing about Tikkun Olam-healing of G-d’s world.“
Questions for Discussion:
- How does Moses describe the future prophets who will be moral teachers?
- What does Moses teach about the requirements for future kings?
- What does the Torah prescribe for civil or criminal cases that cannot be settled by a Bet Din?
- What are three prohibitions concerning worship?
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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