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Parshat Shoftim and the month of ELUL
Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom! Today, August 14th, begins the new month of Elul (אלול). This is a month of preparation leading us to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This preparation is both joyous and solemn. Joyous in our excitement to celebrate God’s gift of creation and life’s potential, yet solemn in our need to reflect and repent where we’ve missed the mark.
This week’s Parshat Shoftim, meaning “Judges” (Devarim 16:18–21:9), begins with Moses instructing the Israelites to appoint judges and law-enforcement officers in every city. He commands them, “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” emphasizing that justice must be administered fairly, without corruption or favoritism. Crimes must be carefully investigated, evidence thoroughly examined, and a conviction must be based on the testimony of at least two credible witnesses.
Moses also teaches that in every generation there will be those entrusted with interpreting and applying the laws of the Torah. “According to the law that they will teach you, and the judgment they will instruct you, you shall do; you shall not turn away from the thing that they say to you, to the right or to the left.”
Shoftim also addresses the prohibitions against idolatry and sorcery, as well as laws governing the appointment and conduct of a king. It provides guidelines for establishing “cities of refuge” for those who inadvertently cause another person’s death. The parshah also outlines exemptions from military service for those who have recently built a home, planted a vineyard, become betrothed, or are fearful and fainthearted.
Elul is a month of deep introspection as we examine ourselves and spiritually prepare for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
What does Parshat Shoftim have to do with Elul as it teaches us about appointing judges, pursuing justice, and examining evidence with two witnesses?
Also, does Moses’s teaching about entrusting others with interpreting the Laws of Torah, establishing cities of refuge, and outlining exemptions from military service have any bearing on the function and meaning of Elul?
Come join us and let’s get into it!
Rabbi Scott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
