Happy 250th Birthday America and Shalom yeladim! This week continue in Devarim or "words". Most of the words spoken in this final book of Moshe would have been unnecessary if only the people of G-D would have been obedient the first time. Our portion Shoftim shares its name with a whole book of the bible "Judges". Notice that the word is a plural and carries the "im" at the end of it. Shoftim is powerful call to remember that justice is what is right, wholly right based on truth, not just what is right for us. Have you ever been in an argument with a friend or sibling where you both believed that you were right? So, you went to a grown-up and asked them to help settle the argument for you. While you were explaining your side of the situation, in your heart you were hoping that the adult would choose your side.
Well, did you know that in this week’s Parsha, we learn that when we have a disagreement like the one above, where both parties believe they are right, when we go before the adult (judge) we should not be hoping to get our way. We should be hoping that justice (what is right, not who is right) comes about. Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 “Judges and officers you are to appoint within all your gates that Adonai your God is giving you, according to your tribes; and they are to judge the people with righteous judgment. 19You are not to twist justice—you must not show partiality or take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. 20Justice, justice you must pursue, so that you may live and possess the land that Adonai your God is giving you.” As we seek to walk with -D and follow HIS ways remember that through it all, and often in spite of our choices, G-D is always faithful and true, traveling with us and seeing us through. Every day HE is encouraging us to obedience so that HE can rain down the many blessings that HE has stored up specifically for us. If you would like to understand more about the justice that G-D requires of us be sure to check out the parasha reading, and our fun activity for this this week; if you have ever wondered what justice really is, this activity is for you! Be sure to get your parents permission before you download and print the lesson and activities for this week and learn about the way we can help others recognize that we are growing and maturing everyday (hint: this behavior leads to more freedom for us). (links are below attached to the cartoons of children.).