by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 20, 2015 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy, Weekly Dvar
The Parsha says “what man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house and not let him make the heart of his brethren faint as well as his heart.’” In addition to the three categories of men who were exempt from military service...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 29, 2014 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Before waging battle against an enemy in battle, we are commanded to make a peaceful overture. Only if the enemy does not accept the offer does battle ensue. In the battles against the Canaanite nations, if the enemy does not agree to the peace offer,...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 29, 2014 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary (from chabad.org and ou.org): A minimum of two witnesses are required to secure a conviction in a capital or corporal punishment case. Individuals who testify falsely are liable to receive the punishment which they sought to have imposed upon their...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 28, 2014 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: We have no need for the previously-mentioned abominable practices because we are blessed with prophets who transmit G‑d’s messages to His people. We are commanded to obey these prophets. This Aliya prescribes the punishments for non-compliance...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 27, 2014 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy, Weekly Dvar
This week we read the Parsha of Shoftim, which charges us to “Appoint for you judges and officers at all of your gates” (16:18). Rav Moshe Feinstein points out that the word “lecha” (for you) seems superfluous. This commandment could have...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 27, 2014 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Although the Priestly families were divided into many shifts, each serving in the Temple in their designated turn, a Kohen always retains the right to come to the Temple and personally offer his personal sacrifices. This Aliya then contains prohibitions...
