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Haftorah: Is 51: 12- 52:12
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Aliyot:
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1. Dt 16:18-17:13
2. Dt 17:14-20
3. Dt 18:1-5
4. Dt 18:6-13
5. Dt 18:14-19:13
6. Dt 19:14-20:9
7. Dt 20:10-21:9
OVERVIEW:
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Shoftim echoes the need for social legislation and courts of justice. The Rabbi Judah haNasi warned that we should live in awe of three things: a seeing eye above, a listening ear and all our deeds written in the Book of Life. (Pirkei Avos 2:1). Talking about Divine Justice and the World-to-Come does not relieve us of the burden of pursuing justice and righteousness within this world. Shoftim reiterates the designation of the Cities of refuge for accidental manslaughter and delineates the need for courts of justice. A court does not guarantee justice unless the judges are of unimpeachable integrity and the witnesses honest. Credibility is not a key quality a witness since credibility is the base of many scams and hoaxes in life. Lies are credible. Many times the truth is unpalatable and incredible, but we must confront it. Guidelines are established for due process of law with warning regarding corruption that occurs through bribery and blind eyes. Shoftim tries to find the balance between angry vengence of the pursuer and compassion for the pursued, reflecting the primary qualities of God--Adonai Eloheinu-Mercy and Compassion always predominating justice.
IN FOCUS
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You shall not judge unfairly; you shall show no particularity; you shall not take bribes; for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning and upset the pleas of the just. Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord yur God is giviing to you.
Dt 16:19-20
"Moses received the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it Joshua. Joshua
transmitted it to the Elders, the Elders to the Prophets, and the Prophets
transmitted it to the Men of the Great Assembly. They [the Men of the Great
Assembly] said three things: Be deliberate in judgment, raise many students,
and make a protective fence for the Torah."
Pirkei Avos 1:1
BE DELIBERATE
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"Look at your shoes? Did you look in the mirror this morning? Did you take a look at your face? Who wants to hire a cadaver?"
Thus spake the Job Consultant. She skewed Hope. True, I had no coat; my shoes were worn through, but I had my newly earned degree. "How many students do you think there are? Don't you know that there are three thousand applicants scrambling for the same job? You think money grows on trees?"
