by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 24, 2012 | 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 23, 2012 | 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 22, 2012 | 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...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 21, 2012 | 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 21, 2012 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: The Kohanim were chosen by G‑d to be His holy servants. They do not receive an inheritance (portion) in the Land of Israel, because “G‑d is their inheritance.” Instead, the Kohanim are the beneficiaries of various priestly gifts; selections...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 20, 2012 | 5:5-Parshat Shoftim, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe instructs the Israelites to coronate a king after they enter Israel. A Jewish king may not amass an excessive amount of horses, wives, or personal wealth. The king writes for himself two Torah scrolls. One of them remains with him at all times...
