Shlomo’s Blog

This week the Torah deals with the issue of what happens when a member of the Sanhedrin disagrees with the ruling of the court and refuses to obey it. It points out that all must obey the ruling even if they disagree with it. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook

While the king’s powers were limited he did have extralegal powers. If he thought that there was a clear and present danger to the nation, then he could take actions that normally would not be permitted. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook

We are now entering the month of Elul. We are getting ready to be judged by God. It is no accident that we ready the portion of the Torah that informs us of the importance of honest judges. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook

Justice and honest courts are the basis of any society. When justice is perverted, either by money or politics, then everything else will collapse. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook

The Torah clearly wants a limited monarchy. This was revolutionary in the ancient world where the king had all the power of his subjects. The Jewish king was limited in in power and what he could and could not do. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook

The Torah keeps admonishing us to do justice. The difference between the Toah concept and that of idolatry is that the Torah makes no distinction over the economic or social status of the litigants. All are equal before the law. Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook