This week's Parsha Shoftim it's the fifth portion of the book of Deuteronomy and the 48th portion since the beginning of the Torah there are 97 verses 1 523 words and 5590 letters there are 41 Mitzvahs in this week's Parish of 41 mitzvot (commandments) was 14 performative Mitzvah and 27 prohibitions. Shoftim (Deut 16:18-21:9) is always read at the start of the month of Elul. We shall explore the important connection and reminder. Discusses the establishment of a just society in the Land of Israel. It covers various laws related to leadership, justice, and moral behavior. Here are some key insights from the sages on this parsha: 1. Justice and Judicial System (Devarim 16:18-20) Rashi: Emphasizes the importance of appointing righteous judges who will not show favoritism or take bribes, even if the bribe is given with good intentions. The verse "Justice, justice shall you pursue" is doubled to stress the relentless pursuit of true justice. NO NATION CAN EXIST WITHOUT LAW AND ORDER 2. Kingship and Leadership (Devarim 17:14-20) Discusses the qualifications of a king and the need for the king to be a humble servant of the people, subject to the Torah's laws. He also notes that the king should have a personal Torah scroll to remind him of his obligations to God and the people 3. Prohibition of Witchcraft and Divination (Devarim 18:9-14) 4. The Role of Prophets (Devarim 18:15-22) Explains that God will raise prophets from among the people to guide them, in contrast to the nations who rely on sorcery and divination. 5. Cities of Refuge (Devarim 19:1-13) Cities of refuge as a reflection of God’s mercy, providing a safe haven and allowing for the restoration of justice without blood vengeance. 6. War Ethics (Devarim 20:1-20) 7. Murder Mystery (Devarim 21:1-9) HOW ARE JUDGES AND OFFICERS AT YOUR GATE REFER TO US INDIVIDUALLY? WHAT SETS US APART FROM ALL OTHER PEOPLES AND NATIONS? WHY IS THE KING COMMANDED TO WRITE AND STUDY THE TORAH DAILY? HOW DID YESHUA FULFILL THE PROPHECY ABOUT A FUTURE PROPHET LIKE MOSES? HOW DO WE IDENTIFY A FALSE PROPHET? IS THE TORAH BEEN DONE AWAY WITH BY YESHUA?