Page 298 - DVARIM

The words shall you appoint mean that every Jew must appoint officers # 26347-EYAL-6
and judges.

The phrase in all your cities refers to the organs of the body. They connect
us with the outside world, from which one absorbs thoughts and
information. With what should a person protect himself? The Torah, the
shield against the plots of the Yetzer Hara.

This parashah is read during Elul, the month of teshuvah. One who truly
wishes to purify himself should immerse in the waters of the Torah, which
protect from sin.

Many people are named after animals, even though these animals have
selfish traits. Moreover, Chazal have told us to emulate certain good
aspects of various animals. If the animals, which have many negative
traits, since many are predators and others are lazy creatures, have lessons
to teach us, all the more so does every person, no matter how low, contain
some aspect worthy of emulation.
By recognizing one’s good qualities, he will come to improve them. He
will cleave to the words of the Torah, our officers and judges.