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Torah Tidbits - Study Judaism with Rabbi Rapport and Rabbi David. Ki Tisa Tetzaveh Pekudei Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1−5:26)The opening word of Leviticus that gives the book and this first parashah its name is Vayikra Tazria Metzorah Achrei Mot Emor B’har B’hukotai Sh’lach L’cha Korach Matot Masei D'varim Va-et’chanan Eikev Nitzavim Chayei Sarah Tol'dot Mishpatim

Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Shoftim – שֹׁפְטִים (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

“The king shall write a copy of this Torah.”  (Deuteronomy 17:18)

Now, there is an interesting job description for a king. One has to imagine that the king of all Israel might have more pressing duties to attend to than to take the time to make for himself a copy of the entire Torah. But, then again, perhaps there is wisdom in these words which we too might need to learn.

The purpose of this commandment is explained directly in the text:
“So the king can read it all the days of his life, so he may learn to fear God, to keep all the words of this teaching and these statutes, and to do them.”

The king was commanded to write for himself a copy of the Torah in order to emphasize to the most powerful in the land, that no one is above the law and all of us are equally bound by it.

Equal justice for rich and poor, powerful and powerless, citizen of the land and stranger who lives among us… this is the value of the Torah.

Parsha Shoftim Summary:

Laws regarding both sacred and secular legislation are addressed. The Israelites are told that in every dealing they should pursue justice in order to merit the land that God is giving them. (16:18–18:8) The people are warned to avoid sorcery and witchcraft, the abhorrent practices of their idolatrous neighbors. (18:9–22) God tells them that should an Israelite unintentionally kill another, he may take sanctuary in any of three designated cities of refuge. (19:1–13) Laws to be followed during times of peace and times of war are set forth. (19:14–21:9)

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