Cycle of the Book of Shoftim

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1. The Pernicious Cycle of the Book of Shoftim

   Rabbi Michael Hattin

   The messenger sent from Gilgal to the nation in Bokhim with tidings of defeat and setback is contrasted with the angel who appeared to Yehoshua carring a sword of fire with tidings of conquest. The 5 part cycle of the Book of Shoftim described in the 2nd chapter is the result of the failure of the people to drive out the indigenous Canaanites described in the 1st chapter. The worship of Ba'al and Ashtoret - central to Caananites - frequently included less than savory rituals. The Judge in the book of Shoftim is typically a combination of an inspired leader, military strategist, and religious figure, who is, however, defined primarily by his accomplishments on the battlefield.    

2. Tehillim 107 - Yom Haatzmaut

   Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

   In Israel, Yom Ha'zikaron [Memorial Day] and Yom Ha'Atzmaut [Independence Day] are separated by a mere split second. It is precisely this proximity that gives extra meaning to both days. Our awareness that the dedication of those who fell made our independence possible gives us the strength to cope with the sorrow of Yom Ha'Zikaron. At the same time, our awareness of that terrible price, encourages not only to appreciate our joy on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, but also to strive to channel our independence in the proper direction.

        This contrast between sorrow and joy at a time of redemption is reflected in Tehillim 107.  It is the custom in Israel to recite that perek before davening Maariv on Yom Ha’Atzmaut.  The following shiur will analyze the internal structure of Tehillim 107, and will explain why it was chosen to be read on this day.

3. Chronicle vs. Composition - An Example from Sefer Bamidbar

   Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

   תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |

   Is the Tanach a chronicle or a composition? Does the Tanach merely list historical events, or is there a deeper message to be gleaned from the way it is written and organized? By examining the books of Shoftim and Bamidbar, we can gain a new understanding of Tanach as a composition. Each book has a prophetic agenda which teaches us a deeper lesson about the goal and message of the book, and understanding this message allows the reader to see the book in a whole new light. 

4. Minor Figures, Major Transformations - the Subtle Revolution in Sefer Shoftim

   Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

   תאריך פרסום: תשע"ד | |

   The leaders at the beginning of the book of Shoftim seem to be successful and exemplary, but as the book goes on, the leaders seem to be increasingly problematic. And why are there only two leaders- - both of whom do both great and reprehensible things- discussed in the second half of the book? To respond to these questions, we turn to Haza”l who provide interesting directions as we consider the context of the times, the structure and the chronology of the book. 

5. Parshat Haazinu - God's Children

   Rabbi Alex Israel | 36 minutes

   The Song of Haazinu is to serve as a witness for future generations. It tells a historical tale of Bnei Yisrael. But what story does Haazinu tell? This shiur sets out to follow through the story line and point out some interesting features, and then make some philosophical comments and spiritual insights.

   Many of the classical commentaries seem to present the Song of Haazinu as the ultimate story of the Jewish people- a story of exile and redemption, outlining the future of Jewish History. But is this indeed so? Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun and Rav Elhanan Samet point out that the song makes no reference to exile or to leaving the land. 

    If this is not a prediction of future exile and redemption, then what is this song, and why is this song needed? Why must it be so readily available for people to remember throughout the ages?  Is it another exile and redemption cycle? Or does the Song of Haazinu present a different paradigm – one entirely within the Land of Israel?

6. The Cycle of Haazinu

   Rabbi Alex Israel

7. Mirror Characters in the Bible: The Case of Samson and David

   Dr. Yael Ziegler | Hour and 8 minutes

   There is a phenomenon of "mirror characters" in Tanakh - characters with many similar actions, personality traits, and characteristics, and often the Tanakh will go out of its way to use similar linguistic styles in order to highlight these similarities. Often examining these similarities also serves to highlight the differences between the two characters- including their successes and failures. This shiur focuses on the characters of David and Shimshon, highlighting the major similarities between them, and the similar choices they make, but also the crucial differences. By examining these differences we learn about the importance of channeling one's powers and strengths only towards productive, meaningful actions and national goals. 

8. Shoftim - Who Needs Them?

   Rabbi Gad Dishi | 49 minutes

   What is the function of the shoftim? This lesson examines the historical and geographical context of the period of the shoftim, and explores the internal and external contradiction of the Navi's view of a king. The theme at the end of the sefer, "ein melech beYisrael" (there is no king in Israel), clearly portrays a monarch as a necessity, yet we can also see throughout the sefer a strong resistance towards kingship as well. 

9. Shoftim 3-4

   Matan Al Haperek

   Matan Al HaPerek - Neta Shapira

   These perakim detail the events Am Yisrael experience during the period of the first three judges. We will examine the overarching characteristics of this period’s leadership, focusing also on each judge’s unique qualities. 

10. Shoftim 9-10

    Matan Al Haperek

    Matan Al HaPerek - Neta Shapira

    In Perek 9, we encounter the murderous leadership of Avimelech, who rules until he himself was murdered. Perek 10 briefly describes periods of rule by multiple judges, and a national attempt to repent which is rejected by God.