The Fifth section of the Chumash / Book of Deuteronomy continues Moses’ second farewell address to the Jewish people. The Jewish people are commanded to appoint Judges throughout the Land of Israel to try cases and uphold the law. Further instructions relate to the appointment of the King, the priests and the prophets.

you must appoint judges and sheriffs for yourself in all your cities.” (16:18)

The Hebrew word for cities used here is (she’arecha) literally means “gates”. The “gates” of our bodies are our ears, eyes, nose and mouth, through which stimuli from the external world enter our bodies and personal world. This verse is telling us to set “judges & sheriffs” to guard these “gates” against the intrusion of any material that could be harmful to our spiritual wellbeing,

Regarding the Messianic future, G-d only promises to “restore your judges, as in former times,” but not the sheriffs. In the future, negativity will not hold sway over us, so there will be no need for protective measures to ensure that we follow G-d’s will.

With our prayerful wishes for a long-term peace in Israel and the protection of our IDF soldiers, with the coming of Moshiach now.

We welcome Rabbi Shea and Rebbetzin Hecht of New York, as our scholars in residence on our last formal Shabbat service at our Gants Hill Centre.