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Thus, the beracha seems focused on the return to authentic and honest Jewish jurisprudence, which had existed from the time of Moshe Rabbeinu even before Yitro came with his judicial recommendations (see Shemot 15:25). However, the beracha continues: "and rule over us, You, Hashem … King who loves charity and justice." What is the connection between just human judges and Divine rule over the world?
The word shofet can have three implications. It can be a reference to Hashem, the Judge of the whole land. It can refer to a judge in court. Finally, it can refer to a leader, as we find in Sefer Shoftim, where the "judges" were, first and foremost, military and/or political leaders.
The word yoetz also has more than one meaning. In the beracha and pasuk in Yeshaya, it is parallel and thus similar to a judge. It can be a leader, parallel to a king (see Micha 4:9). It might also be a reference to Hashem, based on the phrase in Yeshaya (9:5), "peleh yoetz, kel gibor." The word Elokim once again has the same three meanings, as the Rambam already points out in the Moreh Nevuchim.
The idea behind these "coincidences" is as follows. The task of the sovereign in the Jewish state is to represent the Kingdom of the Heaven and to act based on the Jewish principles of justice, and charity. One of those functions is to set up a Jewish judicial system that is based on these values. The judges must also see themselves as emissaries of this crucial goal. If they act improperly in the fulfillment of their task, the chillul Hashem is immeasurable. The dayanim must always ask themselves if they are living up to the model of justice and charity that Avraham taught the generations after him (see Bereishit 18:18-19).
As we often do, we pray that the dayanim who serve on our courts (Eretz Hemdah-Gazit) will live up to the lofty standards envisioned for dayanim. In this way, we would be adding one more step toward the fulfillment of the beracha asking for renewed justice and a Kingdom of Hashem felt and enjoyed by all.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
