Parshat Shoftim (Judges)

The Torah portion is Shoftim, Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9. In synagogues using the Triennial system, 5782 is year 3 and the Torah reading is Deuteronomy 19:14-21:9.

"Justice, justice shall you pursue." This parshah discusses many of the rules that will be followed by judges deciding cases. It also discusses cities of refuge for unintentional manslayers, rules for kings if one should be chosen, and rules for the tribe of Levi that does not have a territorial portion in the Land. It contrasts the soothsayers of other nations with Israel's prophets and discusses the possibility of false prophets. It also discusses procedures for war, including various exemptions from battle, and even an environmental law, prohibiting the destruction of fruit-bearing trees even in the course of battle.

The haftarah is for 4th Haftarah of Consolation, Isaiah 51:12-52:12. This passage recognizes that the People have suffered greatly but reassures them that their suffering is over and their tormentors will be the ones who suffer.