While the most significant event in
Parshas Yisro is the giving of the Torah, the parsha begins with a less
dramatic, but also significant story. Yisro, Moshe’s father-in-law, joins the
Bnei Yisrael in the desert and notices his son-in-law as the lone judge for the
Nation judging their disputes. The commentaries differ as to whether Yisro felt
it wasn’t respectful to the Bnei Yisrael to have them wait all day to speak to Moshe,
or that he felt Moshe was putting an unhealthy burden on himself by having to
judge every single case brought before him alone; but either way, Yisro
proceeded to develop the first court system in Jewish history.
Yisro began to advise Moshe on the need
for additional judges and designed a new chain of command with Moshe at the
top. Additionally, he instructed Moshe on the proper way to pick new judges. “אַתָּ֣ה
תֶֽחֱזֶ֣ה מִכָּל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֜יִל יִרְאֵ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אַנְשֵׁ֥י אֱמֶ֖ת
שׂ֣נְאֵי בָ֑צַע” “And you shall see
from among the entire people, men of means, God-fearing people, men of truth,
people who despise money…” (Shemos 18:21). Yisro felt four qualities were
important in judges, Chazal in Nedarim (38a) agree, and explain these four middos
as: strong, wise, wealthy, and humble. In fact, all four of these attributes
were present in Moshe, making him the best example of a judge in the entire
nation. Throughout the Torah, we see many examples that demonstrate the
greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu, and this is just another opportunity to explore
his greatness.
The Kli Yakar explains why these four
attributes were the most important in picking judges. Physical strength is
important as they must not be able to be easily intimidated by unruly litigants
or defendants. Humility is important as well. This middah is referred to as “God-fearing”
in the pasuk since humility leads to true fear of Hashem. Someone who is not
properly humble, who does not recognize the great responsibility placed upon
him as a judge, is not fit to do so. After all, we believe the only true judge
in this world is Hashem, for someone to step into that space and not be in awe
of his power is someone who does not fear Hashem!
“Men of truth” is how the pasuk refers
to men of wisdom. As a judge, you must be able to discern truth from lies in
order to properly decide judgement. Not only must you be wise in order to
properly see the truth, you must be able to maintain the truth regardless of
the situation placed before you. Finally, it is important for a judge to be
wealthy. Whether this refers to someone with actual wealth or to someone who is
completely satisfied with what they have (Avos 4:1), the explanation is the
same. They must “despise money”; someone who has everything he needs, and
understands he has everything he needs, will not be tempted by a bribe. Since
he has all that he needs, there is no temptation to take anything extra.
These were the men that needed to be
selected as judges for the Jewish people. Nothing less than these four
attributes would do. How great was this nation to have such great people among
them, and how fortunate they were to be led by such a man.
Shabbat Shalom!
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