Family Parshah
Shoftim Q & A

You shall not plant for yourself an idolatrous tree. (16:21)

Question: From the juxtaposition of this prohibition and the law of appointing judges, the Talmud1 derives that appointing an unsuitable judge is comparable to planting "an idolatrous tree."

Why is an unsuitable judge compared to an idolatrous tree?

Answer: An honest judge is one who has a mind of his own. He does not permit people to influence him, nor does he waiver one iota from Torah teaching. An improper judge is one who permits himself to be easily influenced by those around him. He is compared to a tree since he bends and sways to all sides in the wind of public opinion, trying to satisfy the group with the most potential for advancing his interests.2

You shall be whole-hearted with G-d, your G-d. (18:13)

Question: Why did the verse not state, "You shall be whole-hearted before G-d, your G-d," rather than "with?"

Answer A story is told of a coachman who once had a venerable Rabbi as his passenger. Seeing a vegetable garden, the hungry coachman stopped the wagon and climbed down to eat something. As he was reaching down to pull out a vegetable, the Rabbi shouted, "Be careful, someone is watching." The frightened coachman ran back to the wagon, and after looking around said to the Rabbi, "Why did you frighten me? I do not see anyone." To this the Rabbi replied, "G-d is watching."

To be "complete," in following the correct path seems like a difficult task. Therefore, the Torah advises us, "with G-d your G-d" -- remember that G-d is with you. If an individual bears in mind that G-d is always with him and watches everything he does, it will be easy for him to be a complete and righteous individual.3

Is the tree of the field a man that it should enter the siege before you? (20:19)

Question: The Talmud4 interprets the beginning of the verse literally, man is the tree of the field, actually comparing people to trees, and learns that just as one is careful with the fruit one eats, one should be careful from whom one learns Torah.

What lesson can we derive from the tree?

Answer: Unlike all other plants, which die after a season or two, the tree stays alive continuously for many years. The uniqueness of the tree is due to its roots, the stronger and deeper the roots, the healthier the tree.

The roots of man are his faith in G-d and attachment to Torah teachings, as conveyed to us by our forefathers, the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every person is exposed to many different "seasons" during his lifetime. Unfortunately, some succumb to temptation and neglect their affiliation with G-d. The ability to be a staunch Jew throughout an entire lifetime depends on the strength of ones "roots.".5  

If a corpse will be found on the land... your elders and judges shall go out...must say "Our hands have not spilled this blood." (21:1-7)

Question: Prior to this, the Torah discusses the laws of war. Immediately following this, in the next portion, the Torah again discusses war.

Why is the law of an unclaimed death discussed between the verses on war?

Answer: During war there is much bloodshed and loss of life. Often soldiers become callous, and the value of human life does not impress them. The Torah is teaching that even if it is in between wars and many are losing their lives, the death of an innocent person must be accounted for, and may not be taken with complacency.6