Shoftim

Parshat SHOFTIM is truly action packed and if I may say so, one of the more interesting parshiot of Devarim. There isn’t even room to go through all the details of the parsha!

The parsha opens up with the rules for governing a society. Included in this is the requirement for the entire gamut of legal enforcement, complete with police, bailiffs, and of course, judges. That’s right – “Shoftim V’Shotrim” Judges and even policemen are Torah mandated requirements. Keep that in mind the next time you want to curse a cop for enforcing the law.

Although it appears to be somewhat in disuse today (sic.) -- Honesty, impartiality, disregards for anything but truth, and intolerance for bribes, are required for those who lead ‘the system’ both religiously and civilly.

Idolatry makes a comeback in this week’s parsha as well. But please note: One may only stone to death idolaters who have been identified as such by at least two witnesses.

As is consistent with its theme, Parshat Shoftim includes with it the delineation of the Jewish monarchy. The appointing of a king is not actually a mitzva of the Torah, but rather a concession to the desires of the people. In fact, Moshe introduces this concept with: “When you enter the Land of Israel and you will desire a king in order to be like the goyim...” , which should give us cause for pause; although David is king of Israel “Chai V’kayam”, I am not so certain that the monarchy was G-d’s ideal form of government. (Democracy sure isn’t either!). Nonetheless, there are those concessions which G-d allows us if it’ll keep up happy. (cf. According to Rambam, animal offerings were given in order to wean us off idolatry! Guide/Perplexed 3:32).

Kings were restricted to eight wives, could not have too many horses, and must write two Torah scrolls, one which was to accompany him everywhere. Also related to the kingship is the prohibition on living in or even visiting Egypt! (cf. “I am transgressing the Torah every day by living here [Egypt]” – Rambam).

Another interesting idea in this week’s parsha is the prohibition on believing in superstitions, consulting ‘psychics’, or even playing with magic.

Although some stripes of orthodox rabbis often attempt to find exemptions from the Israel Defense Forces for their followers, the Torah is pretty clear as to who exactly is exempt from the Jewish army. They are: one who has just built a new house and had not yet dedicated it, one who has planted a vineyard but not yet enjoyed its fruit, and one who has become betrothed. Interestingly, smoking on street corners while receiving government handouts for fictitious kollel attendance does not seem to make the list!

Rules for military engagement with the enemy or also clearly legislated in the parsha. Note: The only civilians that are to be spared are the women and children. We are also told what exactly ‘proportionate response’ truly is: wipe them out until they no longer exist. (Please do not forward this ‘Dispatch’ to Kofi Annan - he may become outraged with G-d and sanction Him.. Btw: Kofi in Hebrew means ‘monkey’… – no further comment)

HALACHA CORNER:
We learned that we are to distance ourselves from witchcraft and other supernatural arts. What about magic shows? Regarding whether or not it is permissible to attend a magic show, see:
http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5757/kedoshim.html

DVAR TORAH
The Torah says: "Judges and police you shall place for yourself". Rabbi Simcha Bunim commented "that is, before you make judgments about other people, judge yourself first". As the Sages said, "first correct yourself and only then correct others".