Bostoner Torah Insights: Bostoner ‘Chassidus’ in Hebrew and English: Parshas Shoftim – 2 Elul 5786
Bostoner Torah Insights - Yerushalayim
Bostoner Torah Insights
Bostoner ‘Chassidus’ in English
Parshas Shoftim – 2 Elul 5786
Bostoner Rebbe shlit’a – Yerushalayim
Secretariat Email: bosto...@gmail.com
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Parshas Shoftim generally coincides with the beginning of Chodesh Elul. In their works of the early 19th century, both the Chassidic Masters and the leaders of the Mussar Movement connect the concept of 'For you shall be appointed judges and officers' (Devarim 16:18) with the time period of Teshuva and repentance. They suggest that Rosh Chodesh Elul is the time for us to repair our internal spiritual security systems and establish additional safeguards for our bodies – to protect our eyes, ears, lips, palate, etc., from sin – as we prepare for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Aside from providing instructions to the judges of Beis Din, a deeper look into Parshas Shoftim offers practical examples of how individuals should personally safeguard themselves. "You shall not pervert judgment, or show favoritism, or accept a bribe…you shall surely chase after righteousness" (Devarim 16:19-20). When we practice our free choice to personally decide between good and evil, we cannot allow our objective knowledge and Emunah in Hashem to be persuaded by short-term physical gratification, which will cause our Nefesh long-term detrimental ramifications (see Avos 2:1). We must pursue righteousness and truth, as opposed to pursuing that which is convenient, fashionable or politically correct.
The Sfas Emes points out in the name of R' Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, that the Torah does not tell one to distance themselves from anything, as it delegates to the Chachamim the responsibility to set up 'fences' and Rabbinic decrees in order to protect Torah Law. The exception to this rule is 'Falsehood' שקר where the Torah explicitly tells us 'Distance yourself from words of falsehood' (Shemos 23:7). This shows the grave danger that falsehood can lead to even if one is merely in its vicinity – similar to the dangers of inhaling secondhand smoke.
On the other hand, the only thing that the Torah instructs us to 'chase after' is 'righteousness' (Devarim 16:20), since it is the foundation of everything good and just. In a world where falsehood is prevalent, it is not possible to reach a level of absolute truth. Therefore, we must 'distance' ourselves from falsehood and 'chase after' truth and righteousness wherever we can find it in this world.
The Sfas Emes continues that one is not permitted to utilize 'falsehood', even if one's intention is to accomplish 'righteousness', as this will taint the entire process and prevent one from achieving true righteousness. In the month of Elul we should examine our past deeds to ensure that no speck of falsehood has penetrated our words and actions.
Later in Parshas Shoftim, the Torah instructs us to 'prepare the way' (Devarim 19:3) for the Cities of Refuge. As Rashi explains, road signs must be installed to direct people to the closest Ir Miklat. In our day-to-day lives it is important that we have our own spiritual places of refuge. In reference to the Cities of Refuge, the Pasuk says, והאלקים אנה לידו ושמתי לך מקום וכו' "I shall provide you a place to which one shall flee" (Shemos 21:13). The first letters in the Pasuk spell out the word אלול Elul, as this month provides us with a 'city of refuge'. The month of Elul allows us to reflect on the lessons of the previous year and prepare ourselves to approach the coming year with a new and improved understanding.
A normal Hebrew calendar year of 354 days has 50 Shabbos days. If we subtract the two Shabbos Chol HaMoed days of Succos and Pesach, we are left with 48 'regular' Shabbos days, which correspond to the 48 Levite Cities. Of these 48 cities, six cities were designated as Cities of Refuge for murderers fleeing from those who would avenge the blood of the victims. In these cities, murderers had priority over the Leviim that lived there. Similarly, the six Shabbos days from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Succos correspond to the six Cities of Refuge. These Shabbos days are uniquely designated for sinners to introspect and perform Teshuva for both intentional sins and inadvertent misdeeds.
The Parshas concludes with the laws of the Egla Arufah, which is performed in the event that a dead body is found murdered without any clue as to the identity of the killer. After the elders of the closest city break the neck of a calf with a hatchet, they pronounce, "Our hands have not spilled this blood, and our eyes did not see. Provide atonement for Your nation, Yisroel, which You Hashem have redeemed. Do not allow innocent blood in the midst of Your nation Yisroel" (Devarim 21:7-8). Even though these righteous elders were never under suspicion of being the actual murderers, they are commanded to come forward and make this declaration.
Similarly, the Belzer Rebbe, R' Yehoshua Rokeach, once explained that even though many people view themselves as righteous and do not feel the need to take on additional spiritual 'judges and officers' during this time of year, even a Tzadik must do so. This is in order to be a good example for others, so that those in desperate need of strengthening their spiritual resolve, by taking on the observance of Mitzvos more meticulously, should not be embarrassed to do so.
May all of us take this 'opportunity of refuge' in Elul to update and fortify our spiritual defense systems, to aid us along our individual paths of Teshuva. In this merit, may it be His will that as a group we should merit the Geulah Shlayma and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash speedily in our days.--