Parsha Talk Shoftim 5784 2024

Kol Ramah

Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9] ordinarily provides a lot of material for conversation and discussion. On his JPS Torah Commentary, Jeffrey Tigay divides the parashah into two: Civil and Religious Authorities [16:18-18:22] and Judicial and Miltary Matters [19:1-21:9]. Given the events of the past week, we turned to the haftarah [Isaiah 51:12-52:12] rather than the Torah reading for the framework of our conversation. We continue to be mindful of the remaining hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the remaining hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. This sad week we dedicate our conversation to the memory of the six hostages murdered in captivity. May their families be comforted together with all those who mourn in Zion. Shabbat Shalom..