Parsha Talk Shoftim 5786 2026

Parashat Shoftim [16:18-21:9] is another rich parashah in Sefer D’varim [Book of Deuteronomy]. Jeffrey Tigay divides into two major sections: Civil and Religious Authorities [16:18-18:22] and Judicial and Military Matters [19:1-21:9]. Our conversation also divided into two parts: a discussion of 16:20, with its key phrase צדק צדק תרדוף [tzedeq tzedeq tirdof; Justice, justice you shall pursue] and some laws of warfare.
We recorded on the eve of the first day of Rosh Hodesh Elul. Tomorrow night we begin reciting Psalm 27 in evening and morning prayer services, formally ushering in the High Holy Day Season. Shabbat Shalom!