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Devarim 5784 - Justice, Interpretation, and Education
Devarim 5784 - Justice, Interpretation, and Education
Aug 7, 2024
4:10
Welcome to the Mussar HaTorah Podcast for Parshas Devarim. Join us as we explore the weekly Parsha, uncovering valuable insights and striving to become the best versions of ourselves through Mussar teachings.At the beginning of the Parsha, and Sefer, Moshe tells the people (1:16-17) about his setting up judges:I commanded your judges at that time, to say, ‘‘Listen between your brothers and you are to judge right between a man and his brother and between his complainant. Do not show favor in judgement; small and great alike will you hear out; do not fear any man; for justice belongs to God. And the matter that will be too difficult for you, present to me and I will hear it.’’ Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (z"l) points out that the roots of the Hebrew words for justice, *tezedk* and *mishpat*, show up in Sefer Devarim 18 and 48 times respectively. Moreover, if you go through Tanach some of the most intense encounters between the Neviam and HaShem sound like courtroom dramas. We see this with Moshe Rabbenu and the Navi Yermeahyu to name a fewThe word is Hebrew the Torah uses in these cases is *riv*, a lawsuit. Since we have a covenant with Hashem, either side can bring the other to court, so to speak, for not fulfilling the promises in the covenant. There are three unique features of Judaism as a religion:1. When Hashem reveals himself to humans he does so in the form of law. This is different than what it was like in the ancient world where God was power. With us, God is order and law. In the human world where we have free will, we have the moral law. One of the meanings of the word Torah, according to Rabbi Sacks, is 'law' which would make a fundamental principle of Judaism *Torah min HaSyamayim* to mear HaShem and not Humans is the source of binding law. 2. We have the responsibility to interpret what the law means. This is how we have *Torah shebaal Peh*. In fact, the Gemara in Shabbos (10a) says that a judge who delivers a true judgment becomes a partner with HaShem. 3. Education and instruction in the Torah, which as we have seen, means the law. From Tanach through the Gemara and beyond we see the importance of educating our children in the Torah. As a result, it is as if the Torah in engraved in our souls. Why these three factors? Because to bring HaShem into our lives, we need law. Law is supposed to treat everyone equally from the highest to the lowest. This links the giver of the laws, HaShem, to the interpreter of the laws.This week, let us challenge ourselves to embody these principles in our daily lives. Whether we're resolving conflicts, making decisions, or simply interacting with others, let's approach each situation with the mindset of a just judge. Let's seek to understand before we speak, to be fair in our judgments, and to educate ourselves and others in the ways of Torah.Remember, as Rabbi Sacks taught us, when we deliver true judgment - when we act with justice and righteousness - we become partners with Hashem. As it says in Yeshayahu:צִיּוֹן בְּמִשְׁפָּט תִּפָּדֶה וְשָׁבֶיהָ בִּצְדָקָה Have a good Shabbos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notarabbi.substack.com