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Shimshon kills 30 men in Ashkelon and strips their clothing to pay the wager
When they solve the riddle Shimshon calls out their deceit
Shimshon's wife pulls the secret out of him
The Pelishtim threaten Shimshon's wife
The riddle is presented (and a lesson for Yom Kippur)
Shimshon offers a challenge to the guests
Shoftim 18 opens with five Danite scouts who lodge at Micha's house, recognize the voice of his Levite priest, and ask him for a sign before heading north to Layish, a quiet and isolated city they report back as easy prey. Six hundred armed men then return, strip the shrine of its pesel, ephod and terafim, poach the priest with the offer of serving a whole tribe instead of one household, and leave Micha asking what he has left now that his god and his kohen are gone, after which they destroy Layish and rebuild it as Dan. The shiur presses the question of who the heroes are and concludes there are none, since the only innocent party is the Sidonian population of Layish, and it closes with the dispute of Ralbag, Radak and Rashi over how long the pesel of Micha stood in Dan, from the era of Yavin, to the exile of the aron at the end of Eli's life, to the exile under Sancheriv.
Shimshon enjoys the honey; final wedding arrangements
After some time Shimshon revisits the site of the miracle
Shimshon's encounter with the lion
Shimshon's parents question his decision
Shimshon finds a Pelishti woman to marry
Micha creates a private shrine containing an idol, sacred objects, and a priest, revealing the spiritual confusion of Israel during the era of the Judges. When a wandering Levite arrives, Micha hires him as his personal priest and treats his presence as a guarantee of divine favor. The story illustrates how people can reshape religious practice around personal desires while convincing themselves that God approves.
The child is born and named Shimshon
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should our focus be during these days of Elul? What makes Elul unique? Is Elul initiated from below (Ani L'Dodi) or from above (the king in the field)? (follow-up) How do we create vessels for G-d's blessings this time of the year? If the king is in the field during Elul, where does that leave us the rest of the year? Is G-d more present during this time of the year? I've had a very difficult year... What more can I do to ensure that the thirteen attributes of compassion manifest in my life? Since G-d does all the mitzvos he commands us to do, how does He perform the mitzva of teshuva? Can we say that this is like tzaddikim doing teshuva? How can we say that G-d “regrets” anything? Why does a Baal Teshuva reach higher than a Tzaddik? Why are there no Shoftim maamorim in Likkutei Torah? Can we bless someone with a happy new year over the phone? Should they answer amen? What is the power of answering amen? Is the blessing valid and does it work even without answering amen? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? What is the significance of “Tavo” and the mitzva of the first fruit offering (bikurim) What do we know about the stones upon which the Torah was inscribed? How do we possibly explain the hidden blessing in child cannibalism?! Why did the Rebbe tell us to celebrate and be extra joyous on the Frierdiker rebbes wedding anniversary? Ki Tavo 13 Elul G-d leading our footsteps when we travel on vacation (follow-up) Are we allowed to pray for others without their knowledge and consent?
Manoach's wife calms his concerns
Realizing it was an Angel, Manoach is concerned they will not survive the encounter
The offering is accepted and the Malach returns to heaven
Death of the Ego
Reb Mottie Drillman shares Netziv commentaries on the parsha. These sessions are held on Zoom every week in memory of our mother in-law whose dedication to the Netziv (her great great grandfather), was legendary. It is estimated she studied the Ha'amek Davar some 78 times throughout her life, devoting every Tuesday to its study. May her memory be a blessing to her family and klal Yisroel.
Manoach asks the Malach for his name
Manoach makes an offer which the Malach refuses
Shoftim (Midrash Only) | Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9 | MTOI Weekly Torah Study
The angel repeats his message to Manoach
Parshat Shoftim asks a powerful question: What does God expect from us as we move toward redemption? From justice and leadership to courage and faith, this week's Torah portion reveals that redemption is not only something we wait for—it is something we are called to participate in.
Experience this week's Torah Class with Pastor Troy Jackson as he teaches a message on, "Shoftim and Biblical Citizenship." The Torah Class is now available on stream. Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast
You can download the notes here:https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/08.14.26-Congregational-Notes.pdf___________________________________Website: esm.usPastor Mark BiltzMission Statement: (https://esm.us/about/)El Shaddai Ministries exists to take Torah to the nations by restoring the Biblical and historical perspectives that have been lost over the last 2000 years, uncovering replacement theology, and healing our Christian-Jewish relationships.Statement of Beliefs:https://tinyurl.com/4ks6eznu
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Devarim/Deuteronomy 16:17 - August 14, 2026
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
Justice, And Only Justice, You Shall Follow- Torah Portion - Shoftim: (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9) by Shawn Ozbun
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!
A bribe is not only an envelope of cash. Sometimes it is a small favour, a kind word, or even a tiny “nothing” that quietly changes how we see someone. We open with a real moment from this week: I was offered a bribe and managed to say no, then we follow the Torah's sharp warning in Parshat Shoftim that shochad blinds the eyes of the discerning and twists the words of the righteous. If you have ever thought, “I'd never be swayed,” this conversation challenges that confidence in the most honest way. We dig into Rashi's insight that partiality can begin before any ruling is made, simply in how we listen. Then we ask the hard question: why does Jewish law forbid taking a bribe even when the judge believes he will still judge truthfully? The Gemara's idea of shehuchad, becoming one with the giver, gives us a powerful framework for understanding bias, integrity, and moral psychology. We also share the unforgettable story of a sheikh who mocks the Torah's stance on bribery and Rav Meir Chadash's piercing response: the issue is gratitude. If you truly live with hakarat hatov, even a 25-cent gift can pull your heart. From there we explore “shochad devarim” through classic stories of sages who disqualify themselves over the smallest favours, and we widen the lens into daily life: how we relate to parents, teachers, friends, and ultimately Hashem. We close with Elul and teshuva, and how gratitude can move us to return out of love rather than fear. If this helped you think more clearly about ethics, Jewish values, and personal growth, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review. What's one small act you received that you still feel indebted for?Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content!SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar!Listen on Spotify or 24six!Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.orgQuestions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com
Our Parsha features laws relating to all types of leaders: Judges must not corrupt judgment, must not accept bribery, must hearken to the rulings of the Grand Sanhedrin, and must relentlessly pursue justice. Kings may not have too many wives, too many horses, too much silver and gold, and must always be cognizant of the […]
Our Parsha features laws relating to all types of leaders: Judges must not corrupt judgment, must not accept bribery, must hearken to the rulings of the Grand Sanhedrin, and must relentlessly pursue justice. Kings may not have too many wives, too many horses, too much silver and gold, and must always be cognizant of the Almighty by carrying a Torah scroll wherever they go. Prophets mustn't withhold the prophecy and mustn't misappropriate prophecy given to their fellow. Priests play a vital role in the release of accidental murderers from cities of refuge and in the ceremony of decapitating a calf when an unidentified corpse is discovered between two cities. Judges, Kings, Prophets, Priests -- very few of us know any of these office holders. In this Parsha podcast, we discover that each one of us must strive to adopt the qualities of these officials. We learn what it takes and the particular pitfalls of each one. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
Forgiveness is a Gift
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. Covenant & Conversation examines the ethics and wisdom we can derive from the Torah, week-by-week, parsha by parsha. Follow along with the full article, written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014, here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shoftim/learning-leadership/ This week our FEATURED ARTICLE on Shoftim (written by Rabbi Sacks in 2013) is available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shoftim/testing-prophecy/ The new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/shoftim/testing-prophecy/ For additional articles, translations, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. _________________________ With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel. _________________________
In this Parsha Podcast we share two fascinating and deep insights from our Parsha. The first relates to the method by which capital punishment must be meted out. The second is a novel and fascinating spiritual and cosmic perspective on the monarchy as a method of government, both in the era when monarchies were widespread […]
The month of Elul is a “city of refuge” in time—a period of honest self-examination and teshuvah, in which each person is given the opportunity to redirect his life-force toward holiness by taking refuge in Torah study. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Shoftim in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 2.
In this Parsha Podcast we share two fascinating and deep insights from our Parsha. The first relates to the method by which capital punishment must be meted out. The second is a novel and fascinating spiritual and cosmic perspective on the monarchy as a method of government, both in the era when monarchies were widespread and of the era of its effective dissolution.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus during these days as we transition from Av to Elul? Why is Elul a special month? How do we maximize its opportunities? What is our main work this month? What is its personal relevance in our lives? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? What is the connection between Shoftim and Elul? Why does the Torah prohibit sorcery and witchcraft? How is it different from a doctor? Can this be applied to going to shamans today for plant medicine ceremonies? Why were those exiled to the cities of refuge freed upon the passing of the High Priest? What does this teach us about current leaders? What lessons do we learn from the Eglah Arufah? Why is a king prohibited from buying many horses? How does this apply today? Why did the Shaloh ask his son not to build a house more opulent than his needs? Why did the Rebbe reject a new car?Should we pray based on our merits or asking for G-d's favor? Follow-up Shoftim Vaetchanan Who named it Camp Gan Israel? What was the relationship between Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and the Rebbe? Are we allowed to take off our yarmulkas for any reason? How can I encourage my spouse to stop speaking negatively about one of our children to another child?
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
World War III is the greatest of them all, and it is the war for the winning vision. He who tells the story of the human race, the narrative, is the one who will control it. There are two sides to the vision of the Torah, the faith in the Creator of the universe who created humans in His image, and the knowledge that each of us has an evil inclination designed to enable us to fight for any true success. Only an uncompromising commitment to these two principles can put us on the path to success, as individuals and as a society. For a short reading about this Parashah: https://livekabbalah.org/shoftim YHWH Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8AzyLFM2AY Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations
This week we learn the laws governing all kinds of leaders: The parsha begins by detailing the laws of judges, the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, and what happens to rebellious judges; we read about the unique laws related to kings; there are more laws pertaining to the Kohanim; and we find the […]
What does it take to build a society where justice is truly shared? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tani Cohen-Fraade explore Parshat Shoftim and the Torah's vision for building a just society. Through judges, kings, priests, and prophets, they consider why leadership requires different voices and sources of authority. The conversation asks what these ancient models can teach us today about responsibility, good leadership, and our shared role in pursuing justice.
This week we learn the laws governing all kinds of leaders: The parsha begins by detailing the laws of judges, the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, and what happens to rebellious judges; we read about the unique laws related to kings; there are more laws pertaining to the Kohanim; and we find the means of vetting professed prophets and what happens to the six kinds of false prophets.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★