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The Torah seems to employ a lengthy vernacular in order to describe this idol worshipper. The words, ki yimatzei, “If there will be found,” is an unusual phrase to describe the discovery of one who worships idols. It could simply have said, “If there will be among you.” “Finding” focuses on the detection of something unknown, whereas this case is one in which witnesses attest to a man’s guilt. It is a fait accompli – a done deal; it happened; now we must punish the sinner. Why does the Torah emphasize the next step in the process of establishing guilt:…

The one who is afraid of the dangers that accompany war, whose anxiety overwhelms him, is sent home, lest his faintheartedness affect those around him. The Tchortkover Rebbe, z.l., was once asked by one of his chassidim which shul he should attend. It seems that his community had two synagogues; one was a large community shul, while the other was a small shtiebel frequented primarily by chassidim. The Rebbe responded that whichever shul had a member who prayed with a broken heart; that is the shul in which he should daven. He supported his answer with the above pasuk. We…