Written by Hindy, א אלול תשפ”ג, August 18, 2023
This week’s Parsha is Parshat Shoftim, and it has a ranging variety of topics. From the establishment of judges to rules against false prophets, there is so much to learn from. The parsha opens with the mitzvah of establishing a legal court, an upright and just judiciary system to rule the people. The idea of having a system of power to govern a nation is so deeply rooted in Judaism, and not just on the base-level.
Bits and pieces of this parsha allude to other famous rulings, such as the ‘Ninth Commandment’ against false witnesses1, and the ‘Second Commandment’ against idolatry2. In a way, both of these commandments seem intertwined, because they relate to the relationships and mitzvot between Man and Another. The mitzvot listed in this parsha all have to do with the ethics of mankind, and that is why they are backed up by such a credible source such as the Ten Commandments.
Later on in this parsha, when different circumstances of war are being discussed, a Kohen seemingly gives a pseudo pep-talk to the soldiers of Bnei Yisrael. He says, “You are about to enter battle, do not be faint of heart, do not fear, and do not be broken before them” 3. The phrasing is important, because it reveals that they must not be broken when entering battle. It would make more sense to say, “do not break before them”. This means that if one is already shattered, and has begun doubting Hashem, then when they enter war, they have been broken. Not by an enemy, but by their own spirituality.
In Judaism, we are not just supported and led by a truthful law system, we also rely on G-d. It is because of the strength our Creator gives us that we can use our limits and gifts to pursue the justice our community needs. Of course, as in all rulings, there needs to be a balance, and that is why it is a Kohen who gives this speech. Kohanim are spiritual leaders, and looked to for assistance. In battle, we must look to Hashem for assistance, that is why we have this reminder. It is the balance of a judiciary system and a spiritual system which keep our nation, the Nation of Israel, morally and ethically strong.
May we learn from Parshat Shoftim to look for upright judges of character, for assistance of a communal kind, and to spiritual leaders as well, to guide us in our soul’s journey. Let us also remember that if we enter a scenario with a break inside, it won’t be an event or situation which will break us. It will be ourselves. We must therefore place our full trust in Hashem before picking fights, and then we can enter whole, without any breaks.
Shabbat Shalom,
Hindy