blogs/rabbi-huberman

"You shall place judges and officers at all of your gates" (Deuteronomy 16:18).

I've often wondered why the Torah devotes so much effort towards commanding the Jewish people to establish judges and officers within its communities.

Agreed, it is vital that within any just and free society, a legal system be established under which issues and conflicts are adjudicated in a fair and unbiased manner.

The foundation of justice is so important, that twice within the Torah, including this week's Parashah, we are instructed - Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof - "Justice, Justice shall you pursue" (Deuteronomy 16:20).

Furthermore, the Torah insists that this precious commodity - "justice, justice" - mentioned twice -- be administered fairly -- regardless of the class, financial status and social standing of its subjects.

It is why perhaps why this week's Torah portion, Shoftim (Judges) has assumed such a high priority within both Jewish scripture and culture. Our Sages have gone to great lengths to punctuate the importance of judges acting in wise and unbiased manner.

But when we think about it, this commandment is somewhat limited in reach. Within current American society, we understand that each of us, by exercising our vote, can influence the selection of judges at a local, state and national level.

However, it is unlikely that the Israelites during their forty-year journey to the Promised Land relied on such a complex selection process. Still, the commandment is often understood to be focused on the judiciary at a societal level.

But is there more?

This week's Torah portion begins with the words, "You shall place judges and officers at all of your gates" (Deuteronomy 16:18).

There are two interestig words here: "You" and "gates."

The word