Shofetim (parashah)

Shofetim ("Judges") is the seventh weekly Torah portion (parashah) in the Book of Deuteronomy (Devarim). It constitutes Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9.

The parashah primarily deals with the establishment of a just legal system and warns against corruption and injustice. Key themes include the appointment of judges and officers, the laws of evidence and witnesses, the rules of warfare, and the expiation for an unsolved murder.

Specifically, Shofetim discusses:

• The obligation to appoint judges and officers in all cities (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). These judges are to administer justice fairly, without bias or bribery.
• The prohibition of planting trees as idols or setting up standing pillars (Deuteronomy 16:21-22).
• The condemnation of offering blemished sacrifices (Deuteronomy 17:1).
• The laws concerning idolatry and the procedures for dealing with idolaters (Deuteronomy 17:2-7).
• The establishment of a central court of law to resolve difficult cases (Deuteronomy 17:8-13).
• The laws concerning the appointment and conduct of a king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The king is to be a native Israelite, not a foreigner, and is to have a copy of the Torah written for him to study daily. He is to rule according to the laws of the Torah.
• The rights and responsibilities of the Kohanim (priests) and Levites (Deuteronomy 18:1-8).
• The prohibition of divination, sorcery, and other occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).
• The promise of a future prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-22).
• The designation of cities of refuge for unintentional manslaughter (Deuteronomy 19:1-13).
• Laws concerning land boundaries and removing landmarks (Deuteronomy 19:14).
• Laws of evidence and the requirement of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15-21).
• Laws concerning warfare, including exemptions from military service (Deuteronomy 20:1-20).
• The procedure for expiating guilt for an unsolved murder (Deuteronomy 21:1-9), involving the elders of the nearest city performing a ritual sacrifice and declaration of innocence.

The parashah's name, Shofetim, highlights its central concern with establishing a just and ethical society through the proper administration of law and the importance of righteous leadership.