Deut. 16:18-21:9
Précis: The parasha Shoftim (literally, “judges”) is devoted primarily to various themes of justice, and includes warnings against false testimony, idol worship, and the dangers posed by mortal kings. The parasha also warns the people against false prophets, magicians, soothsayers and witches. It establishes requirements for cities of refuge in the Promised Land. In short, the parasha is devoted to ways to create a just society in the Land of Israel.
Deut. 18:13 - “You must be wholehearted with the Lord, your God”
Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Shiffman reminds us that there is an ongoing motif in Deuteronomy of Moses’ concerns that the People will be negatively impacted by the Canaanite culture (The Torah of Character, 9/6/24). In this week’s reading, Moses decries the augurs, soothsayers, diviners, sorcerers, spell-casters, and consulters of spirits, ghosts, and the dead (apparently, a major thing with the Canaanites).
After listing the prohibitions, Moses concludes with the cited verse. “Wholehearted” is the most common translation for the Hebrew word “tamim” but tamim is also translated as “perfect,” “whole,” and “complete.” What are the expectations of this phrase, particularly following the list of prohibited associations?
Shiffman cites Rashi for the proposition that people were prone to remove uncertainties by consulting those who offered forecasts for the future. The word “tamim” encourages the Israelites to “put your hope in Him and do not attempt to investigate the future, but whatever it may be that comes upon you accept it whole-heartedly.”
Some interpret tamim as “simplicity.” In this context, simplicity is living with an innocence, and humility requires accepting every moment with simple faith instead of anxiously grasping for certainty through spiritually dangerous means.
It is evident that we live in uncertain times, and the human quest for certainty can be seen in slavish devotion to a leader who promises security. We, like the Israelites, must avoid spiritually dangerous means to provide calm and assurance.
