To read the full text in English and Hebrew, click here: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
In this Torah portion, Moses reviews the justice system for the Israelites. Moses talks about the limits future kings should have on their possessions. Moses explains that the priests and Levites should not be paid and should survive on donations from the people. Finally, Moses explains the laws of warfare.
Click here for a summary of Shoftim |
Moses reviews the justice system. |
Text Studies |
Social Action and Environmentalism |
Pursuing Justice For All Rabbi Marc Israel, Hillel
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The Death Penalty Sam Shonkoff, AJWS
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To Be Holy For God Rabbi Jim Simon, Union for Reform Judaism
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Separation of Powers Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels, AJWS
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The Emergence of Environmentalism Rabbi Neal Loevinger, Kolel
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Engage All Texts Daniel Septimus, AJWS
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A Home of Our Own Rabbi Phil Miller, socialaction.com
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Wasteful Destruction Rabbi Norman Lamm, Canfei Nesharim
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From the Denominations |
Pluralism and Outreach |
Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue Rabbi Bradley Artson, American Jewish University
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Balance of Power Rabbi Steve Greenberg, CLAL
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Never Return to Egypt Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, JTS
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We Are All Judges Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, Big Tent Judaism
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Wary of War Rabbi Avraham Fischer, Orthodox Union
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Justice & Communal Responsibility Rabbi Yoni Sherizen, UJA-Federation of New York
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Interpretive Independence Rabbi Shimon Felix, Bronfman Youth Fellowships |
Humanity in Wartime Beth Kissileff, Women of Reform Judaism
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Multimedia |
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Parshat Shoftim Quiz Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
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Parshat Shoftim Challah Julie Seltzer
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Parshat Shoftim for Families Torah Topics for Families
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Avraham
Pronounced: AHVR-rah-ham, Origin: Hebrew, Abraham in the Torah, considered the first Jew.
Haftarah
Pronounced: hahf-TOErah or hahf-TOE-ruh, Origin: Hebrew, a selection from one of the biblical books of the Prophets that is read in synagogue immediately following the Torah reading.
Torah
Pronunced: TORE-uh, Origin: Hebrew, the Five Books of Moses.