parshat Shoftim

A weekly Shiur by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks for the weekly portion "Shoftim".

The famous first pasuk of the parasha, commanding to appoint judges, is followed by the goal: “and they shall judge the nation a just judgment.” The idea of a just judgment seems a little obvious – did we think that we would want an unjust judgment?

As is our practice each year on Parashat Shoftim, we will deal with a matter that is connected to our network of batei din, “Eretz Hemdah-Gazit.” Our parasha opens: “Judges and officers you shall appoint in all of your gateways … and they shall judge the nation a judgment of justice” (Devarim 16:18). Consequently, the Torah commands us to have a set court apparatus, with a cadre of dayanim ready to serve, and from them three judges will be chosen for each case.