Ki Teitzei

In this parsha

This parsha contains more mitzvos than any other, largely governing everyday and family life. Among them are the laws of the captive woman, the rebellious son, and the rights of a firstborn; returning lost property and helping with a fallen animal; the guard-rail, forbidden mixtures, and tzitzis; marriage, divorce and forbidden relationships; honest weights and measures; prompt payment of wages; and consideration for the poor and the stranger. It closes with the command to remember what Amalek did and to blot out its memory.

Themes

• Capturing the hidden spark
• War against the yetzer
• Mitzvos as soul garments
• Guarding the power of speech
• Mitzvos binding body and soul
• Elul awakening of teshuvah

Must-read teachings

1. 1Redeeming Captive Sparks Through Teshuvah"When you go out to war" against your enemies, "and Hashem your God will deliver him into your hand," "and you will take his captives" (Devarim 21:10). The piece opens by citing the opening verses of the parsha about going out to war, Hashe…תרל"ו
2. 2Human Effort Draws ForeverIn the Midrash: A child who is born already circumcised, what should be done to circumcise him? One must draw from him a drop of bris blood, on account of the bris of Avraham Avinu, peace be upon him. The Sfas Emes opens with a Midrashic ru…תרנ"ג
3. 3Mitzvos Binding Body And SoulIn the Midrash: a child born already circumcised must nevertheless have a drop of blood drawn from him for the sake of the covenant, on account of the bris of our father Avraham, as it says, "he shall surely be circumcised (himol yimol)" an…תרנ"א
4. 4Mitzvos Liberating The SoulThis itself is the matter of the Midrash which states that the Torah did not reveal the reward of the mitzvos, and that length of days is said both regarding a light mitzvah and a stringent one, as in the parable of a king who hired workers…תרנ"ה
5. 5Drawing Down Neshamah LightThere is a further explanation according to the Midrash [in the parable of the orchard] based on the verse, "they are a graceful wreath (for your head)" (Mishlei 1:9). The Sfas Emes introduces a new approach to the Midrash on the orchard, a…תרמ"א - תרמ"ב
6. 6Guarding Speech On ShabbosOn the verse 'Be careful regarding the affliction of tzaraas... Remember what Hashem your God did to Miriam...' (Devarim 24:8-9). The Sfas Emes opens with the verses about the affliction of tzaraas and the command to remember what happened …תרמ"ז
7. 7Milah Refining The NeshamahThe Midrash teaches that one who is born already circumcised must still have a drop of bris-blood drawn from him, on account of the bris of our forefather Avraham, peace be upon him, as it is written, "He shall surely be circumcised" (Berei…תרנ"ו
8. 8Mitzvos Unlocking Hidden TreasuresIn the Midrash on the verse "When you encounter" (Devarim 22:6), Reish Lakish said that one who is born already circumcised must still have a drop of bris-blood drawn from him, on account of the covenant of Avraham Avinu, etc., as it says, …תרנ"ט