Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Ki Teitzei כי תצא
Deuteronomy (Dewarim) · Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
„When you go out"
Summary
This portion contains the highest concentration of commandments in the entire Torah, covering a vast array of ethical, civil, and family laws designed to create a holy society.
The verses address diverse topics such as the treatment of captives, family dynamics, building safety, agricultural honesty, and the integrity of weights and measures in the marketplace.
It concludes with a stern reminder to remember the unprovoked attack by Amalek, emphasizing the eternal struggle between good and absolute cruelty.
People
The Captive Woman
A woman taken in war whose dignity must be protected through specific legal procedures before marriage.
The Firstborn Son
The son who is legally entitled to a double portion of his father's inheritance regardless of the father's feelings for the mother.
The Rebellious Son
A youth who exhibits extreme disobedience and specific criminal behaviors, serving as a legal warning about moral decay.
The Lost Animal's Owner
A fellow citizen whose property must be returned by anyone who finds it according to Torah law.
Amalek
The nation that represents the pinnacle of evil for attacking the weak and elderly of Israel from behind.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Returning Lost Property · 22:1
One is obligated to return a lost object to its owner rather than ignoring it or keeping it.
Building a Safety Fence · 22:8
A homeowner must construct a guardrail around a flat roof to prevent anyone from falling and getting injured.
Sending Away the Mother Bird · 22:6-7
Before taking eggs or young chicks from a nest, one must first shoo away the mother bird to spare her the pain of seeing them taken.
Honest Weights and Measures · 25:13-15
It is forbidden to possess or use deceptive scales or weights when conducting business transactions.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. What must a person do if they find a lost item belonging to someone else?
2. What safety feature is required when building a new house with a flat roof?
3. Which nation is Israel commanded to remember and never forget their evil deeds?
4. What is the specific requirement when taking eggs from a nest?