This week's parsha

Unless otherwise noted, "This week's Parsha" comprises articles taken from contributors to the Chabad.org website. We show the original author's name here, so that proper attribution is given. For the sake of brevity, footnotes cited in the original author's writings are omitted from this website. If you need to see the citations, please refer to the original articles on the Chabad.org website.

Choosing the Battle of Life

Published: 28 August 2012 | Written by Tali Loewenthal

There are the material battles in life of which we are all aware. These include our individual economic struggles, conflicts with neighbors, international politics, encounters with terrorism and war (G-d forbid).

Another kind of battle which engages us is spiritual. It takes place primarily within ourselves, where there are two empires at war: the empire of the spirit, of Jewish ideals, of Torah; and that of ordinary and everyday needs, desires and attitudes. The struggle between these two forces within us extends throughout our lives.

Our parshah begins by speaking of war: "When you go out in battle against your enemies" (Deuteronomy 21:10) -- and the Sages explain that these verses apply to our inner spiritual battle, as well.

An Impartial Judge

Published: 22 August 2012 | Written by Naftali Silberberg

This week's Torah Portion, Shoftim, is always read on the first Shabbat of the month of Elul. As nothing is accidental, this Parshah must contain important lessons for us to implement during this auspicious month.

"Shoftim" means judges. The Torah commands us to appoint a hierarchy of righteous judges in every city and province. On a literal level, this commandment refers to judges who adjudicate civil, criminal and religious issues. On a deeper level, however, this commandment, as well as its details, has great meaning for every one of us in our personal lives. Let us examine one of this law's details:

"You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show favoritism, and you shall not take a bribe."

Take Out a Dollar and Give Me the Rest

Published: 17 August 2012 | Written by Levi Avtzon

Rabbi Shimshon Stock of blessed memory was a Crown Heights, Brooklyn, resident who used to collect money for the organization he founded which supplied food and clothes to needy families in need in honor of Shabbat and holidays. He had many great one liners which he used to shout out in his unforgettable Brooklyn accent. This one takes the cake:

"Open ya wallet, take out a dollar and give me the rest..."

I once heard about a group of writers, editors and publishers who decided to publish a daily newspaper that would contain exclusively positive news. No scandals, no murders, no gossip, and no "bad guy goes at it; good guy vows revenge" news breaks.

They went ahead with the idea...

...They declared bankruptcy a few months later.

So, at the risk of ending my career, I would like to share with you a wonderful piece of news:

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