Parashat Ki Teitzei sets out a series of miscellaneous laws, mostly governing civil and domestic life. For your Shabbat table and family dinner discussions, here a few questions to consider the larger lessons we learn from these laws and how they continue to apply to our lives today.
- This week’s parasha has more commandments than any other parasha in the Torah. Why are rules important in school and why are rules important at home? Why is it important to follow rules even (or especially) when you don’t agree with them?
- The Torah teaches us that if you see anything that belongs to another person – his ox or lamb or donkey or clothing, for example – you should return it to him or take care of it yourself until you can return it. Also, if you see another person’s animal is hurt, you should help it. The Torah adds that you should not hide yourself, meaning you should not pretend you didn’t see the ox so that you don’t have the responsibility of returning it or helping it. Which of the 5 Akiva promises applies to these commandments? How? Can you think of examples in your day to which these commandments and the Akiva promises apply?
- The Torah tells us “You shall keep what emerges from your lips and do it.” Why is it important to be mindful of the words you speak and to keep your promises?
Shabbat Shalom!
