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Why does the Torah (תורה) say judges AND officers will judge together when only judges actually render decisions? Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation reveals that accepting the court's judgment is part of the judicial process itself. This creates a Torah model where enforcement remains under judicial rather than executive authority.
This shiur analyzes the opening verse of Parshas Shoftim, which commands the appointment of judges (shoftim) and officers (shotrim). The central question is grammatical and conceptual: why does the Torah (תורה) use the plural verb "they shall judge" for both groups when only judges actually render decisions? Rabbi Zweig begins by examining Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary, which defines shotrim as enforcers who carry out judicial decisions through punishment. However, Rashi adds a crucial element missing from his earlier commentary in Parshas Devarim: the shotrim must ensure the defendant accepts the judgment ("ad sheyakabel o lav din hashoftim"). This acceptance isn't merely compliance but genuine acknowledgment of the ruling's justice, similar to saying "tziduk hadin" when accepting divine judgment.
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Parshas Shoftim 16:18
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