Shoftim

Hi,

This week's portion is Shoftim.

The portion begins with a discussion of the institutions needed to run a Jewish Israel:

We begin with a Judicial System. There must be judges, and fair justice, for all people; social status may not affect justice. We see that judges preserve the social order, but they are also charged with maintaining the religious function of society.

The central court was located in the Temple complex. The judges were situated at the Temple, but they were not necessarily Kohanim (priests); the Torah says to go to "the Kohanim and Levites, and to the judges who will be around in those days."

The Torah then discusses the concept of Monarchy. It is not clear whether monarchy is an ideal, or only a concession to political necessity. The Torah places limits on the monarch's rights and powers.

The Torah then discusses the Kohanim (priests). They would not own land, but would instead live in 48 scattered cities, among the rest of the Jews.

The Torah concludes this section by discussing prophecy, repeating the constant warning against idolatry, and condemning idolatrous practices like sorcery.

The Jews are told they now have prophets because at Sinai they were afraid to hear directly from Gd.

The litmus test for a valid prophet is whether he follows Gd & Torah, or not.

Shoftim then discusses community-oriented laws, including:

Creation of a city of refuge (Ir Miklat) for accidental murderers, to protect social order and ensure justice is maintained.

Hasagat Gevul - The prohibition against cheating other people by invading their property.

Laws of false testimony.

Laws governing the military.

The portion concludes with the section of "Eglah Arufah," detailing a rite to be performed if a murdered person is found outside a town. The town is considered culpable, for their lack of hospitality indirectly caused this person's death out on the road.

Have a good day,
Mordechai