Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parshat Shoftim,where HaShem instructs us to keep ways of Judging and courts of Law so that righteousness prevails in all we do.HaShem tells us that the judges should be righteous.
Here is a very important point that we should all take note of.That to judge others,we need to first look at ourselves and judge ourselves first.It is easy to go around pointing out everybody else's faults,yet ignore our very own,right in front of us.Many a person in a high position,puts others down,yet never corrects themselves.They think they are always right and above reproach.But only HaShem is Perfect.We as human beings commit so many aveiras that we don't even realize and so it is time to take a good look at ourselves.We may be happy with who we are,but it is time we asked ourselves,is HaShem happy with us?Are those around us happy with us?Have we ever hurt anyone or not done something for someone,that we should have done?If we truly think and are honest with ourselves,we will find that ,within ourselves,there is so much we need to correct.HaShem tells us to appoint judges 'Shoftim" and officers 'Shotrim' and that means first and foremost that we need to be a judge and officer of ourselves.The best teacher of others,is to be an example of that teaching.Instead of only trying to teach others,be that which we also teach,ourselves.People will better listen if they hear it from someone that is an example of what they tell others.G-D instructs us to judge others with 'Mishpat Tzedek,' Righteous Judgement ' (in this Parsha) and that means that we are to be righteous ourselves.The very fact that G-D spoke to the officers of the tribes too,shows that this also includes leaders of congregations who lead others to holiness.One who acts off the path,can only lead others off the path.But one who stays on the righteous path themselves,will lead others to righteousness.
Within the word 'Shoftim' is the word 'Shafat' which also means referee - one who keeps a balance and peace and within the word 'VeShotrim,' is the word 'Shoter,' which means 'promissory note - or something owed and suggests the Covenant we made with HaShem.Putting this together where this verse in Torah says 'Shoftim Ve Shotrim Titen Lecha Bechol Sh'Arecha Asher HaShem Elokecha Notein Lecha,' - 'Judges and officers are you to appoint in all your cities which HaShem gives you..' We get that HaShem tells us that to keep Holy,we are to be people of peace who bring peace and assure HaShem and eachother that we will be at peace with our fellows and with all around us.Each of us working on ourselves and bringing peace between HaShem and us by keeping His Covenant of Law and then seeking peace outside of ourselves with our fellow and all life around us.HaShem will give us His closeness and all we need to do is correct ourselves,follow HaShem's Covenant and Torah and help to bring others to do so as well for HaShem and for others..
So before you judge others,look within yourself and see if it is not really something within you that needs correcting and is making you take note of that specific thing you have seen in others to correct.
HaShem gave it to us to be our own judge and officer and only when we can do that,can we show righteousness outwards.
May we all work to make this a Holier world,starting from within ourselves.This way HaShem will bless all things with Holiness and light.I wish HaShem with precious love,a beautiful Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love and I wish you all ,with love,a beautiful Holy Shabbos Kodesh.