 Parashat Sho'f'tim
An oldie, but goodie. Upper-left corner is a gavel and sheriff's badge, representing SHO'F'TIM and SHO'T'RIM. The scales of justice are tipping over, representing the perversion of justice, not only a violation of a prohibition in the Torah, but an act that destroys the underpinnings of society. Without a justice system that we can trust, we each might as well find a cave on a beach somewhere to live in a hermit's isolation. Society must have a fair justice system to survive and flourish. The crown in the second row, obviously stands for the mitzvot related to kings. This includes the writing of a Sefer Torah, as depicted by the quilland scroll in the middle of the second row. The gift box at the right side of the row stands for the gifts of the Kehuna, several of which are mentioned in the sedra. Next line has a negation sign on a pair of arrows pointing to the right and left. This is multiplied by 2. This refers to the two times the Torah admonishes against veering to the right or the left. We are commanded to listen to the pronouncements of the Sages and not to turn from what they tell us, neither to the right nor to the left. Similarly, the king is warned not to veer from the teachings of the Torah in his rule over the nation. Then there is a cute rabbit in a hat.This reminds us of a magician, which in Hebrew is KOSEIM, which in Biblical Hebrew was someone dealing in the black arts. The ax in two parts refers to the classic example of SHOGEG homicide, where the head of an ax flies off the handle and kills someone. Then there are two identical stores, the one with SOON in the window might be guilty of MASIG G'VUL for encroaching on the business of the other store. Bottom left are three representations of the official excuses to exempt someone from military service in a non-compulsory war. (A milchemet mitzva take the chatan out from his chupa, etc.) Pictured are a house being built, a vineyard having been recently planted, and an engagement ring. Those within their first year of marriage are sent home from the recruitment depot. And finally, the tree with a face and personality to match, as in "For the man is the Tree of the Field". Lot of material in this PP (and in the sedra) to review with family and friends. Use it well. Children are still off from school and need some learning. [The ParshaPix Index][The Sho'f'tim Homepage]
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