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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize appointing competent judges when that seems obvious? The shiur distinguishes between judges needed for justice (Parshas Mishpatim) versus judges needed for spiritual connection (Parshas Shoftim). Through connection to righteous judges who become partners with Hashem (ה׳), we achieve our physical connection to God and avoid the trap of idolatry.
Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing a Gemara (גמרא) in Megillah about the order of blessings in Shemoneh Esreh, particularly the sequence where gathering the exiles is followed by judgment of the wicked, and only then by restoring judges (hashiva shoftayich). This seems backwards - shouldn't judges come first to execute justice? This leads to the fundamental question of why we need so many judges in every city (69 out of 120 people) when capital cases were extremely rare. The shiur distinguishes between two different purposes for judges. Parshas Mishpatim establishes judges for justice - ensuring everyone receives their rights and resolving disputes. But Parshas Shoftim introduces a completely different concept: the obligation to have judges as spiritual entities, not merely for practical justice. The emphasis here is not on competent judges but on tzadikim - righteous judges.
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Parshas Shoftim
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What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
