Shoftim: On Moral Leadership

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The laws governing various forms of leadership in Parshat Shoftim highlight both its challenges and moral responsibilities, while empowering individuals to ensure that those who lead are worthy of the positions they hold.

Alongside the Torah’s command to appoint judges in every town comes the warning that judges must not show favoritism or accept bribes, and the charge: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” When the people seek to appoint a king, the Torah anticipates the ways in which a king might abuse his power: he must not accumulate too many wives or excessive wealth, and he must keep a Torah scroll with him as a constant reminder of God and the mitzvot. Shoftim also discusses priests and prophets, who are chosen by God. Yet their power, too, has limits: the kohanim do not receive a territorial inheritance, and the prophet must be careful to convey only the word of God. Along with stature come sacrifice, restraint, and responsibility.

Yet responsibility does not rest only on the shoulders of leaders; it belongs to the people as well. The Sefer HaChinuch teaches that the biblical command to appoint judges to a beit din is “incumbent on every community, in every place.” Just and moral leadership depends, in part, on the people who choose and appoint their leaders. This idea is reinforced by the Sifrei’s interpretation of “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” The Sifrei teaches that this means that the individual must “seek out the finest beit din.” We, too, are called upon to pursue justice by seeking out and supporting leaders worthy of our trust.

This idea is also reflected in the tefilla for the State of Israel. We pray to God: “Bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders… and grace them with Your good counsel.” The prayer reminds us that good leadership requires both divine guidance and human responsibility. As we enter the coming months of election campaigns and public debate, may we have the wisdom to choose, and the merit to be blessed with, moral, just, and inspiring leaders in our time. Shabbat Shalom – Karen Miller Jackson

Parshat Shoftim: Seeking Great Leaders

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“Leaders do not do the work on behalf of the people. They teach people how to do the work themselves.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l

Parshat Shoftim is a call to just and moral leadership: Appoint judges; Don’t judge unfairly; Don’t take bribes nor be partial and famously, “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Who exactly is being commanded to fulfill these crucial mitzvot?

At first, it seems these words are directed at judges. However, several commentaries suggest otherwise. These verses seem to be speaking not only to leaders, but also to individuals. The Sefer Hachinuch teaches that the biblical command to appoint judges (referring to a religious court – beit din) 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, can take steps to ensure true justice.

This verse is appropriately also applied to Rebbe Yehuda HaNasi, compiler of the Mishna and a model of wise, compassionate and just leadership. The Talmud in Ketubot teaches “pursue justice” means: run to Rebbe’s beit din in Beit Shearim. This appears in the story of Rebbe’s last will and testament, where he practices outstanding leadership even on his deathbed. He ensures the continued honor of his widow (who was only stepmother to his children) and the honor of his household servants. He set up continuity of leadership through his sons and values fear of sin in a leader over great wisdom. He balances honor to a Torah scholar who has died (himself) alongside humility. May we be blessed with the ability to choose similar moral, just and compassionate leaders in our time. Shabbat Shalom – Karen Miller Jackson

*Photo from https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/effective-leadership-9-ways-to-support-your-team/