Kee Teytzey: Deuteronomy 21:10 to25:19

Our Torah portion continues with the rules for the conduct of warfare, when the Israelites are compelled to fight. “When you go out to make war upon an enemy, here is how you are to conduct yourselves with captive women.” Following these instructions, in no apparent order, we have miscellaneous rules about family life, the behavior of children of different mothers, and how to deal with a rebellious, uncontrolled son.

The Sages saw great significance in “s’michutparashiyot,” the juxtaposition in the Torah of disparate, unconnected laws and narratives. They are all purposely set down, said the Rabbis, to teach us about moral issues. For example, if you marry simply out of sexual lust, you are destined to have trouble with children and their upbringing.

Chapter 24 includes the explicit reference in the Torah to the institution of divorce. Actual laws governing betrothel and marriage are not Biblical but are rabbinic expansions based on this chapter and other references in Torah.

Join us for a lively Torah discussion this Shabbat.