"It reminds us that justice is not a mere ideal but a practical necessity for the well-being and moral fabric of society."
The Torah contains a wealth of guidance and wisdom concerning the establishment of a just society. Parashat Shoftim begins with the appointment of judges and officials who will administer justice to the people of Israel. This parashah addresses other leadership roles including a king, the kohanim, Levites, and a prophet. Additionally, we are reminded of the prohibition against idolatry and the rules of warfare.
One of the central themes of Parashat Shoftim is the pursuit of justice. “You shall appoint judges and officers for your tribes in all the settlements that the Lord your G-d is giving you, and make sure that they administer honest judgment for the people” Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:18. This verse teaches us that society requires a fair and impartial judicial system to survive. It reminds us that justice is not a mere ideal but a practical necessity for the well-being and moral fabric of society. Furthermore, the judges must have integrity and be impartial in their pursuit of justice. Judges must not be swayed by personal biases or external influences but should base their decisions solely on the merits of the case before them.
Next, the parashah provides guidelines for the appointment of a king. It stipulates that the king should be chosen from one of their own people, the Israelites. The king has restrictions that include accumulating horses, wives, and wealth. The king is to write a copy of the Torah, edited, by the Levitical kohanim. This scroll is to be with him constantly and he must study and learn from it every day. He is to be in awe of HaShem and carefully follow the Torah. He must never feel superior to his brethren; he must remain humble, just, and connected to his brethren.
Furthermore, Devarim (Deuteronomy) 20:10-20, emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in warfare. It lays out guidelines for engaging in battle. For example, this portion instructs the Israelites to offer terms of peace before attacking a city and prohibits the destruction of fruit-bearing trees during a siege. The ideas we can learn from these guidelines are the importance of preserving life, avoiding unnecessary destruction, and seeking peaceful resolutions whenever possible.
When we reflect on Parashat Shoftim, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, justice and impartiality are fundamental to the establishment of a righteous society. Whether we are in positions of authority or ordinary members of society, we must strive to treat others fairly and justly. We should not be swayed by personal biases or outside pressures but should seek to uphold the principles of justice and equity in all our interactions.
Secondly, leadership requires integrity and humility. Whether in the role of a judge, a king, or any other position of authority, leaders must possess qualities of honesty, humility, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the people they serve. They should not exploit their positions for personal gain but should act as servants of the community, upholding the values of righteousness and justice.
Finally, the parashah reminds us of the significance of ethical conduct in all aspects of life, including times of conflict. It teaches us to seek peaceful resolutions whenever possible and to avoid unnecessary destruction. We should strive to preserve life, show compassion, and pursue peace in our interactions with others.
As we study Parashat Shoftim, let us be inspired to incorporate these values into our lives.
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