It's the month of Elul, the begining of the end of the year! This week we continue the last book in our Torah cycle: Devarim. This weeks portion, is Shoftim; which is the same name as a book in our Bible "judges". Have you ever been in an argument with a friend or sibling where you both believed that you were right? So, you went to a grown-up and asked them to help settle the argument for you. While you were explaining your side of the situation, in your heart you were hoping that the adult would choose your side. Well, did you know that in this week’s Parsha, we learn that when we have a disagreement like the one above, where both parties believe they are right, when we go before the adult (judge) we should not be hoping to get our way. We should be hoping that justice (what is right, not who is right) comes about. Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 “Judges and officers you are to appoint within all your gates that Adonai your God is giving you, according to your tribes; and they are to judge the people with righteous judgment. 19You are not to twist justice—you must not show partiality or take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. 20Justice, justice you must pursue, so that you may live and possess the land that Adonai your God is giving you." This weeks activity asks "What is Just", if you have ever wondered why we have the law, and should follow it this one's for you. Ask for permission to download and print the lesson and activity for the week and learn more about what G-D's word says about Judges and Justice. (links are below attached to the cartoons of little girls one the left.)