Shoftim – Peninim on the Torah

“And they shall declare and say: our hands have not shed this blood and our eyes have not seen him.” (21:7)

The Mishna in Sotah (45b) explains that the elders absolve themselves from the blame in the death of this unfortunate man. Their evidence is that no man came into their presence who was allowed to depart without food or leave without an escort. Rashi extends this concept with the interpretation that “we did not send him away without food thereby forcing him to steal, through which he was killed.” Failure to exercise communal responsibility towards the unfortunate is an indictment of Jewish leadership. If a Jew becomes a criminal, the Jewish leadership in particular and the community as a whole…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5752

What man is there that has built a new house and has not dedicated it?” (20:5)

Rashi interprets the word “that he did not “begin” to live in the house, to be related to the term “lubjw” thereby denoting “beginning.” Rashi’s explanation offers an insightful interpretation of the concept of “lubjw” or “education.” The focus of education should be dual. First, because education is an ongoing lifelong process, we can only “begin” to educate. We never complete our education. Second, a teacher or “lbjn” must view his role as one who effects the “beginning,” by motivating the student to use his own skills. A teacher who spoon-feeds the material to the student will not properly prepare…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5752

And you shall come unto the Kohanim, the Leviim, and unto the judge that shall be in those days.” (17:9)

The Iben Ezra explains that the “shofet” (judge) referred to in this pasuk is a “king” who commissioned the writing of his Torah written under the guidance of the Kohanim. This indicates that the Leviim were instrumental in teaching Torah to the judges and other leadership of Klal Yisrael. This implication is consistent with the words of the Rambam (Hilchos Shmitta 13:12). He explains that because of this Divine mandate, the tribe of Levi did not receive a portion in Eretz Yisrael. Their responsibility to devote every moment to promulgating Torah to Klal Yisrael did not allow the Leviim time…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5752

And neither shall you set up a pillar which Hashem your G-d hates.” (16:22)

Rashi notes that, although the pillar was beloved by Hashem during the days of the Patriarchs, He now hates it because the Canaanim had employed it for idolatry. This comment is puzzling. The pagans also worshipped on altars, but altars were not prohibited by Hashem. Why did He single out the pillars to be forbidden? Perhaps, we can suggest a homiletic interpretation of this law. Prior to the Torah‘s transmission to Klal Yisrael, a Jew’s potential level for achievement was limited. Through the Torah and mitzvos, however, Hashem structured a new mandate to Klal Yisrael. They now had the obligation…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5752

Judges and officers you shall make… and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment… you shall not turn judgment.” (16:18-19)

The Torah‘s transition from the third person form, and they shall judge, to the second person form, you shall not turn, seems enigmatic. The pasuk begins with the imperative to appoint judges, goes on to list their responsibilities and continues to implore the individual to be just in judgment! Horav Nissan Alpert Z”l interprets this change as the Torah‘s encouragement of each individual to assume personal responsibility for judging his fellow man in his own unique manner. Every person has the occasion to judge his fellow man, whether he chooses to do so from a positive or negative perspective…

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“And they shall declare and say: our hands have not shed this blood and our eyes have not seen him.” (21:7)

What man is there that has built a new house and has not dedicated it?” (20:5)

And you shall come unto the Kohanim, the Leviim, and unto the judge that shall be in those days.” (17:9)

And neither shall you set up a pillar which Hashem your G-d hates.” (16:22)

Judges and officers you shall make… and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment… you shall not turn judgment.” (16:18-19)

YEARS

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