Rabbi George Stern

This week’s Torah portion is Shoftim: Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9

I have always resonated strongly with this week’s parashah (Torah portion), Shoftim. As I reread it this year, I couldn’t believe how much it spoke to me directly about how I experience 2025.

Like all of Deuteronomy, Shoftim is presented as part of Moses’ discourses prior to his death (and as the people prepare to enter the Promised Land). It starts thus: “You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that YHVH your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice.” (Deuteronomy 16:18)

Verse 19 seemingly addresses judges specifically: “You shall not judge unfairly: you shall show no partiality; you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes o

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