Parsha Talk Shoftim 2022 5782

Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9] is the fifth parashah in the Book of Deuteronomy. It has a mitzvah density of about 40%, according to Eliot, who found this statistic in the Koren Torah with Rashi. Mitzvah density is the ration of mitzvot [commandments] to the number of p’suqim [verses]. So there are a lot of mitzvot in this parashah. We spent most of our time focusing on the king, and in particular, his writing of a copy of the Torah [the exact meaning of which is subject to much rabbinic comment]. We barely had time to more than mention some of the many other interesting commandments, but did manage to link the beginning and end of the parashah, thereby providing a metaphorical covering ot the entire parashah. Comments, criticisms, and questions are welcome at [email protected]. Shabbat Shalom!