16 Lessons
Parashat Hashavua Kim Li? Litigation and Justice Must Go Hand and Hand
How do we implement principles from this week's Parsha in our beit din network, “Eretz Hemdah- Gazit”?
Shoftim What’s the Matter with Horses?
The first commandment addressed to the Jewish king is: “Just he should not acquire for himself many horses, and he should not return the nation to Egypt to acquire many horses" . The commentators have explanations of the connection between the prohibition on horses and the matter of not going to Egypt.
Parashat Hashavua “A Just Judgment” – As Opposed to What?
The famous first pasuk of the parasha, commanding to appoint judges, is followed by the goal: “and they shall judge the nation a just judgment.” The idea of a just judgment seems a little obvious – did we think that we would want an unjust judgment?
Parashat Hashavua Each One Chooses One
As is our practice each year on Parashat Shoftim, we will deal with a matter that is connected to our network of batei din, “Eretz Hemdah-Gazit.” Our parasha opens: “Judges and officers you shall appoint in all of your gateways … and they shall judge the nation a judgment of justice” (Devarim 16:18). Consequently, the Torah commands us to have a set court apparatus, with a cadre of dayanim ready to serve, and from them three judges will be chosen for each case.