Judges. Shoftim
THE BIG IDEA
This week’s new moon kicks off a period of introspection, self adjustment and prayer. Welcome to the lunar month of Elul. I highly recommend using this month to focus deeply on awakening, and clarifying your personal prayer so that you feel as prepared as possible for your soul’s annual evaluation on Sept. 6.
This week’s Torah Omens remind us that a spiritually aligned self must exist within an ethically aligned society. The narrative stresses justice in judges, law enforcement impervious to corruption, and the reliable testimony of citizens, aspects of Torah living that are as important as any spiritual law.
Making this a highly favorable time to look both at the self, and the way our world, and to find ways to advocate for justice where it is needed - also in our own behavior.
If there is anything the past year’s pandemic, social uprisings, and climate shifts have taught us, it is that fair and equal justice for all life is a virtue that be neither underestimated or overlooked.
DEEPER DIVE
The direct teachings of Moses seem to unfold in a spiral-like motion. Certain themes are continually repeated, each time with Moses adding a slightly new emphasis and context of understanding.
This week, in Shoftim, (translated as judges) the focus of the soon to be land-owners focuses on creating a socially fair and just society. From the first sentence the tone is set on having a system of justice that is impervious to corruption. They are tasked to uphold a society where spiritual law and actual law are held in equal regard.
The Israelites have not conquered a land based on their individual might. This (experimental) sacred people has been delivered, tasked with their social order even BEFORE they step foot on their spiritually designated land. Moses informs them, in great detail, they are responsible for creating a society that deters killing, the violation of spiritual law, and false testimony in equal measure.
Moses further continually spirals around the importance of the Levites being cared for (because they have no land). The Israelites are to remember and honor the tribe of people designated to hold the space for spiritual awareness amongst the nation, and keep the spiritual body of the people functioning. (like spiritual organs amongst the body of people spread across the land)
One last important piece of the week’s narrative focuses around war, and the ethical release of 4 types of men from service. This video gives a really inspiring explanation of the part of the narrative. I recommend it highly. (A motivation to engage in life, and privilege life over war, and a knowing that those that don’t have the faith can't fight a spiritual battle).
For a nice overview of the laws presented check out this video.
INNER WORK GUIDE
The torah lays out a clear formula for justice.
Is that how your society works?
How are you working on justice in your life?
Do you advocate outside of your own life or self?
Where did you learn your sense of justice? How trustworthy is that source?
That’s it for this week.
Shabbat shalom and big love!