“True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up”. -Sheri L. Dew

The laws of various types of leadership discussed in parshat Shoftim highlights the challenges and moral responsibility involved in being a leader and also empowers individuals in choosing good leaders. 

Alongside the Torah’s command to appoint judges in every town, comes the warning to judges not to show favor or take bribes and: “justice, justice you shall pursue.” When the people want a king, the Torah enumerates various ways the king may abuse his powers – the king must not have too many wives or riches and must keep a Torah scroll with him to be mindful of God and mitzvot. Shoftim also talks about priests and prophets, who are chosen by God. Yet, there are limits to their power – the kohanim don’t receive inheritance and the navi must be careful to only relay the word of God. Along with stature comes sacrifice and responsibility. 

Yet, there is also responsibility placed on the shoulders of individuals.

The Sefer Hachinuch teaches that the biblical command to appoint judges to a beit din (religious court) is “incumbent on every community, in every place.” The establishment of just and moral leadership comes about partly through the people who appoint them. This idea is further reinforced by the interpretation of “צדק צדק תרדוף” – “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” The midrash Sifrei teaches that this means you (the individual) must “seek out the finest beit din.” We, the people, have a call to duty and to ensure justice as well.

These ideas are also reflected in the tefilla we say for the State of Israel. We pray to God: “bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel.” May we choose and be blessed with moral, just and inspiring leaders in our time. Shabbat Shalom – Karen Miller Jackson