Category: Shoftim

Does the Torah Make You Wise?

by Rabbi Haggai Resnikoff
Posted on October 6, 2016

It may seem odd to us that people would ask a rabbi who to marry or vote for, but the Torah, in fact, does have reference to all aspects of our lives and the experts in Torah may well have wisdom and advice to impart in all areas of our lives.…

What is the Basis for Rabbinic Authority?

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on September 26, 2016

What is the basis for Rabbinic authority? Why do we follow the Talmud? Why is the Rabbis’ interpretation of Torah mitzvot binding on us? The Talmud tells us that the answer to some of these questions can be found in our parasha.…

The Role of the Jewish King

by Rabbi Avi Weiss
Posted on May 25, 2016

Whether appointing a king is legally obligatory or not is a subject of great controversy. But whether it is or is not, the Torah recognizes that it is human nature that people will ask for leadership in the form of a king (Deuteronomy 17:14).…

Each One of Us Is Like the Tree of the Field

by Rabbi Avi Weiss
Posted on May 21, 2016

The Torah’s sympathetic attitude toward ecology surfaces in a law legislating conduct during war. Parshat Shoftim says: “When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it, to seize it, do not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them, for from it you will eat and you shall not cut it down.” The Torah then offers a rationale explaining why the tree should not be cut down: “Ki ha-Adam etz ha-sadeh lavoh mi-panekha be-matzor” (Deuteronomy 20:19).…

Can We Tolerate Dissent? Can We Not?

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on August 29, 2014

One of the primary institutions needed for the well running of society is its legal system, both the laws proper, and the bodies to adjudicate and enforce those laws. For those about to enter the Land of Israel, the substance of the laws is no less than all the mitzvot of the Torah.…