VOLUME 122 NUMBER 5
Elul 1, Rosh Chodesh Elul 5786
August 14, 2026
Parshas Shoftim
Candlelighting Time 7:39
We are introduced to a very complex parsha of the corpse found between two cities. A measurement is done and the closest city is considered liable for the death of the individual. That of course in of itself is an interesting point to reflect upon but beyond that the end of the parsha has a very fascinating twist. The elders of that city declare that they did not spill innocent blood. The Talmud questions would we think that those prominent individuals are murderers? Rather, they state they did not dispatch that person from their city without an appropriate farewell consisting of food and escort on his way. Such an assertion which therefore acquits them of any wrongdoing is astonishing. If they indeed did send him away inappropriately would they then have been held responsible for his murder. And furthermore, why does the Torah equate that to murder utilizing language that implies that if they had not done their proper duty that is as though they killed him?
The commentators explain this in a most inordinate manner. If anyone had left the city with food supplies then he would not have potentially killed another in order to procure food. And if the city indeed did send a person away without food and he killed another then the city is blamed for that unfortunate incident. To levy culpability upon the people of that town is shocking. Yet even that the townspeople may have had a diminutive impact upon this event is truly amazing. However, we see that even though the murder was horrendous and the people only had a very slight interdiction with what occurred they are somewhat responsible. And the Torah refers to it as murder! They are viewed as accomplices although their part was at best merely slightly a cause.
However, the saga continues because even though that particular city was not at fault but if a crime is committed then the entire nation must carry the burden. Therefore, the Kohanim who deal with the purity and ongoing perfection of the nation which they bless in order to sustain that level of nobility must join in exorcising the people in totality from their part of this dreadful felony. They further proclaim that the entire nation should be cleansed from this terrible incident. What can we say about the responsibility that we have for even one individual that suffered death at the hands of another whom we never identified? This approach to the sanctity of each and every person is what makes our nation great and exemplifies the importance that we attach to life and its potentials.
In order to express that theme a calf is killed upon a field that never produced any crops. It seems almost strange to perform such an act when we are involved in a murder case. However, the underlying premise is how we view life and its promise of accomplishment and the ability of each person to achieve within his realm of capacity. And that is perhaps the most significant lesson that the Torah wants to impart to us. Reach for the stars and always attempt to maximize your capability and that attitude is the true basis for serving Hashem. We can’t be perfect but we certainly can attempt to utilize our skills and talents to their fullest and become veritable servants of Hashem.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
The Torah prohibits us from chopping down fruit bearing trees in the midst of battle against the enemy. The purpose would be to create strain and punish them without resources. Even in the war against our adversaries, we are warned not to spoil that which is available even to promote a victory against those who oppose us. MAIMONIDES
GOOD SHABBOS
