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The pasuk does not explicitly detail the criteria for these appointees. Rashi picks up on the words "that you know that they are the elders of the nation and their officers" and identifies them as the taskmasters who were responsible in Egypt to ensure that their brethren, the slaves, kept up with the Egyptians’ expectations of them (see overlapping title in Shemot 5:14). They were rewarded for sparing their brothers from the Egyptians’ whippings and absorbing them themselves by receiving the distinction of leadership and Divine Spirit.
According to Rashi, selfless dedication to the nation is the top factor in the future leader’s resume. Only one who can put his own self-interests aside and put up with great difficulties is worthy of such a high post and spiritual level.
The Ramban paves a new path in the matter, whose elements we will now summarize: 1. The number 70 represents leadership. For that reason, there are 70 "officers" (angels) over the nations of the world. There are also 70 special angels in Hashem’s "government" (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer 24). Likewise, there are also 70 members of the Sanhedrin. 2. The number 70 represents all of the opinions and all of the points of strength. After hearing all of the possible points of view, the decision-making body can arrive at a proper decision. This approach highlights the importance of humility, in that all must get used to hearing other opinions, as unity comes from a proper approach to diversity, not from uniformity. 3. When leadership is chosen in such a way, the number 70 provides the right backdrop for having the Divine Presence dwell among the assembly. Such Divine Presence is the greatest goal, and it comes about when people are able to combine their strengths for a common goal.
The Ramban also takes this idea into the realm of the judiciary. The Sanhedrin are not only the "eyes of the congregation" but also the members of the highest court of justice. Therefore, this court, sitting in the Temple complex has to include 70 members to be valid. In his time, it had to have Moshe presiding over them. This is hinted at by the pasuk (Tehillim 82:1): "Hashem is present among the congregation of G-d, in the midst of the judges shall He judge." It is His Divine Presence that gives the court its spiritual ability.
May our general leadership and our judicial system be blessed with the Divine Assistance to act in a manner that promotes the needs of the people.
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.