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In addition to the classical parts of the Beit Hamikdash that mirrored the functions and sections that were found in the Mishkan erected by Moshe, Shlomo’s Mikdash also had a very different section: "He made a hall for the chair where he would judge, a hall of judgment did he make; it was covered with cedar wood from the ground to the ground" (Melachim I:7:7). By providing a whole hall for it, we see that the matter of justice held a very central position within the functioning of the Temple.
The said chair is, in fact, the symbol of justice in several contexts in Tanach. One such source is the pasuk in Tehillim (122:5): "For there they sat in chairs for justice, chairs for the House of David." Another is in Yeshaya (16:5, in reference to Chizkiyahu, or perhaps Mashiach): "A chair will be set with kindness, and he shall sit upon with truth, in the tent of David, judging, and seeking justice, and being diligent in righteousness."
The specific chair in the Beit Hamikdash was described in detail in a later perek of Melachim (I, 10:18-20), and it was indeed a most impressive throne. It was made of ivory and was coated with gold, with six steps leading up to it and figures of lions on either side. All of these elements lend glory and majesty. Its details and the fact that its description was important enough for significant focus show how the Israelite Kingdom viewed justice as a fundamental part of their national and religious lives to a degree that was unusual among the nations. (This is without even going into the various midrashim describing miracles related to this throne of justice.) These ideas reflect an understanding that without a serious judicial system that gives expression to Jewish justice, the kingdom cannot be complete.
In our days and our state as well, the President of the Supreme Court, the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, and others are central figures who can make a tremendous difference in molding the character of society. The judicial apparatus is a mirror that reflects the true face of the society. Our judiciary must base itself on Jewish values, even when it fails to follow halacha directly.
We hope that religious court systems like our own will make their contribution to society and look forward toward a time when Hashem will "return our judges as in days of old." Indeed Mashiach will sit on the throne of his forefather David, as a judge in addition to a king.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
