Shoftim Videos

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

G-fish tries to cheat at board games by pretending to be a prophet (double gulp!)

Admission of guilt is tantamount to the testimony of one hundred witnesses. This is true only of monetary obligations. If however, one admitted in a court of law to a transgression that carries a penalty to be applied to the person himself, such a confession is of no consequence. This class will explain the reason for this discrepancy and will explore the layers of the nature of ownership. (Likutei Sichos vol. 34, Sicha 2)

"By the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall the one liable to death be put to death; he shall not be put to death by the mouth of one witness." (Deut. 17:6) What does it mean that the Jewish people are "witnesses" to the truth of G-d's existence?

The Torah gives the Sages the power to enact new laws and observances. We look at the "rabbinical holidays" of Chanukah and Purim.

Isaiah's words spur us on to reach the ultimate in Divine comfort.

The verse (Deut 17:14) "When you settle in the land... and you say, 'Let us appoint a king...'" is the basis for the mitzvah for the Jewish people to appoint a monarch. Why is the Hebrew word for "when you settle" (v'yashavta) written with an extra letter "hei" at the end?

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The parshah of Shoftim contains 96 verses, and the mnemonic for it is the name Selu. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Three little judges deliberate a case.

In addition to providing a safe haven for one that inadvertently kills someone, the city of refuge is an opportunity to repent and make amends.

Should our young children explore on their own to discover the proper way of life?

The Torah commands us against seeking out diviners, soothsayers and sorcerers. Rather, we should be “Tamim” (wholehearted) with G-d. Exploring the different interpretations of Tamim based on the commentary of Rashi through the prism of the variations in the manuscripts.

An analysis of the legal difference between ownership of property and the proprietary rights one has over one’s own body. We look particularly closely at laws in Maimonides’ Laws of The Sanhedrin. (Based on Likkutei Sichot, vol. 34, p. 106)

In Part 1 of this two-part class, we learned about two different categories of witnesses -- witnesses who corroborate the truth and witnesses who actually "make" the truth. In Part 2, we learn how the Jewish people's testimony that G-d exists leads to the Messianic perfection of this world.

The Torah says (Deut. 18:13) "Be wholehearted with your G-d" in contrast to those who seek fortune tellers and other ways of knowing the future. Rashi explains that G-d doesn't want us to probe the future, but to simply accept whatever comes. But aren't we supposed to be proactive? Doesn't G-d expect us to do our part as well? How is this to be understood?

What is the purpose and function of prophecy, and could there be prophets today? Understanding the mitzvah to listen to Torah true prophets and the significance of prophesy.

The Torah mandates that the Levites not inherit a portion in the Land of Israel like the rest of the tribes, for they are to be set apart for the service of G-d and guiding the people spiritually. Will there be a change in the division of land in the times of Moshiach?

Explore the difference between the role of Torah and prophecy, specifically the unique prophecy of Moshe, and learn why Moshe's project prophecy consolidates the integrity of the Torah. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 19 Shoftim)

Why a king is the heart (not the mind) of the nation.

A Jew may not settle in Egypt. The question is why not? After all, the ancient Egyptians are long gone from that country.

If there is a mitzvah to appoint a king, why was Shmuel the Prophet upset when the people asked for a king? Learn the two different purposes for having a king.

Explore the difference between the Torah itself and the words of prophets as gleaned from the Rambam. Learn how Moshe's project prophecy consolidates the integrity of the Torah.

Two different kinds of witnesses in halacha and their spiritual counterparts, offers insight into the Jewish mandate to infuse the world with the Divine essence.

We learn about heeding the unusual instruction of a prophet to bring a sacrifice on a Bamah, a temporary altar. As we examine the Siyum on tractate Zevachim, we uncover an incredible insight into prophecy and how we impact the world with holiness.

There is always some explanation, some justification, some perspective for another’s behavior. If you cannot see it, you are not fit to be a judge.

What is the difference between successful people and those that aren’t successful at trying those same things? The name of the month preceding the Jewish New Year contains a clue.