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He shall write for himself two copies of this Torah in a book. (17:18)

The Melech Yisrael, Jewish king, is instructed to write two Sifrei Torah: one that he keeps in his home; and a second one that he takes with him wherever he goes.  We can well understand the need for a Sefer Torah that accompanies the king as he goes out, whether it is to war or just around the corner.  The Torah dictates his life.  It shapes his perspective.  Never may he divorce his mind from the Torah.  Why, however, does he have to write a Torah just so that it will remain in his palace, together with his other valuables? …

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He shall write for himself two copies of this Torah… It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, so that he will learn to fear Hashem. (17:18,19)

When he ascends the throne of monarchy, the newly-chosen king is to write two Sifrei Torah.  He is to learn from them constantly, so that he will grow in his fear of Hashem.  This will prevent his important position from making him feel too powerful.  This is enigmatic.  We are not talking about the average citizen; we are referring to the Melech Yisrael, king of the Jewish people, who has been hand-picked by Hashem for this appointment.  Certainly, he is learned and G-d-fearing.  Why does the Torah reflect such concern about his future spiritual standing? Horav Shimon Schwab, zl, explains…

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You shall come to the Kohanim, the Leviim, and to the Judge who will be in those days. (17:9)

Rashi explains that we are required to listen specifically to the shofet/spiritual leader of our day.  Horav Simcha Bunim m’Peshischa, zl, cited the Baal Shem Tov, zl, who, prior to his death, remarked that Hashem has selected ten different types of spiritual leadership: Neviim, prophets; Shoftim/Zekeinim, judges/Elders; Melachim, kings; Kohanim; Tannaim; Amoraim; Nesiim; Gaonim; Rabbanim; and the last have been the tzaddikim, righteous Jews of every generation.  The Baal Shem asserted that he initiated the last hanhagah, form of leadership, that would precede the advent of Moshiach. The Satan once asked the Heavenly Tribunal, “How do these tzaddikim distinguish themselves…

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According to the Teaching that they will teach you. And according to the judgement that they will say to you, shall you do; you shall not deviate from the word that they will tell you; right or left. (17:11)

Torah leadership expound da’as Torah, the perspective as seen by the Torah.  It is therefore imperative that we listen and follow their instructions.  These are people whose Torah scholarship is part of their essence.  They are imbued with a holiness and purity that emanates from them, a yiraas Shomayim, fear of Heaven, that permeates their every endeavor.  Their perspective is Torah perspective.  It is  the purpose of this thesis neither to validate the importance of listening to da’as Torah nor to confirm its Divine origin, but rather to indicate that a person who achieves the status of rendering da’as Torah…

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You shall not plant for yourselves an idolatrous tree – any tree – near the Altar of Hashem your G-d. (16:21)

Whether the tree was specifically designated for idol worship, or  any  tree planted near the Bais Hamikdash, it is forbidden – as it was the custom of the pagans to landscape their temples.  The inside of the Mikdash  is important, not the edifice’s external beauty.  From the juxtaposition of the pasuk concerning the idolatrous tree on to the pesukim about appointing judges, Chazal derive the importance of appointing only those judges who are reputable, G-d-fearing, honest men.  It goes without saying that he must be erudite in all areas of Jewish law.  Indeed, Chazal say that one who appoints an…

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