Parshas Shoftim for Kids

פרשת שופטים

Judges at every gate and justice pursued honestly. Laws for a king, for kohanim, for a navi - and the rules of war, including the trees that may not be cut down.

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What happens in Parshas Shoftim

Moshe Rabbeinu commands the people to appoint judges and officers in every city, and warns that a judge may never take a gift or favor one side. "Tzedek tzedek tirdof," justice, justice you shall pursue. A future king must write his own Sefer Torah and keep it with him always, so he will stay humble. The parsha also speaks of the gifts given to the kohanim, of a true navi, and of the cities of refuge where a person who caused harm by accident could be safe.

The Torah forbids moving a neighbor's boundary marker, and teaches that a matter is decided only by two witnesses. Even in war, the people must first offer peace, and they may not cut down a fruit tree, because a tree gives food. At the end of the parsha the elders of a town declare that they did not let a traveler leave without food and company. Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of escorting a guest on the way.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Honesty and fairness

    A judge must be fair to everyone. We can be honest when we tell what happened, even when it is about us.

  • Caring for Hashem's world

    The Torah says not to destroy a fruit tree. We can take care of plants, food, and things that are still useful.

  • Walking a guest out

    Rashi teaches how important it is to escort a guest. We can walk our visitors to the door and wish them well.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. Why must a judge never take a present from one side?
  2. What was special about the Sefer Torah that the king had to carry?
  3. Why do you think the Torah protects fruit trees, even in a hard time?
  4. When guests leave our home, how can we make them feel cared for?

How your child steps into the story

Your child watches as the first judges are appointed at the city gate, and helps a traveler on the road by walking with them and sharing some food. The story ends with the people eager to hear the many mitzvos Moshe will teach in Parshas Ki Seitzei.