Community Torah Corner, September 5, 2025

Shabbat Shalom, everyone!

This is your senior class speaking! We wanted to start the year off strong by sharing some words of Torah.

This week’s parsha is Ki Teitzei, which means “When you set out.” The opening verse says: “When you set out to go to war against your enemies” (Deut. 21:10). Here, God is telling the Israelites what to do as they prepare for battle.

It feels no coincidence that our first week of school lines up with this parsha. Just like the Israelites setting out, we’ve all left summer behind and stepped into new classes, responsibilities, and opportunities. As seniors, we’re especially ready to set out this year—leading with kindness, showing leadership, and making sure we all have a fun, meaningful year.

Ki Teitzei also contains 74 mitzvot, the most of any parsha in the Torah. They range from how we treat others in times of struggle to small acts of daily kindness. Returning lost objects, helping animals in need, and protecting the vulnerable all teach us that building a strong community begins with responsibility, care, and respect.

Paired with the message of “setting out,” these mitzvot remind us that real success in our new beginnings comes when we commit ourselves to doing good deeds and caring for one another.