In this week's parsha, Shoftim, we learn about the importance of leadership, government, and systems of checks and balances. Some of the important topics covered in this parsha include:

• The three things a Jewish king is forbidden to do- he cannot have too many horses, too much gold and silver, or too many wives.


• The laws of a Milchemet Mitzvah as opposed to a Milchemet Reshus, and how to save people from embarrassment.


• The ceremony of the Eglah Arufah- where a calf is symbolically killed to demonstrate the waste of human life when someone is murdered, and to hopefully expose the murderer.

We are all governed by the same God, and must all follow His law.