"Restore our judges as of old"

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

When we set out to select the leaders and judges of our nation, we have to learn from Yitro's advice to Moshe regarding who are the people worthy to lead the nation:
“But you must seek out from among all the people capable, G-d fearing men -- men of truth, who hate injustice” (Shemot 18:21). It is no simple matter to investigate who possesses such fine traits and characteristics. That is why it says, “And YOU shall seek out” -- “You, with your Ruach HaKodesh [divinely inspired intuition]” (Rashi). Only someone with Ruach HaKodesh has the discernment to recognize the nature and traits of human beings.

Men of truth who despise profit are to become the nation's leaders. If the head is good and healthy, this influences the whole body. It is the same with the nation. Leaders and judges who are moral, wise, and have noble spirits benefit the whole people. If they are not, then everyone suffers.

Therefore in our prayers, we ask daily: “Restore our judges as of old and our counselors as at the start.” And thereby, “remove moaning and sighing from us.”

Right now, we bear witness to the crisis visiting much of our leadership, with harsh accusations about lack of ethics being leveled against certain persons, and the matter is not coincidental. Our sages, in setting out to describe our generation, said, “In the footsteps of the Mashiach, impudence will multiply... There will be no rebuke. The truth will disappear... the generation's countenance will be that of a dog” (Sotah 89). Yet we are believers, the sons of believers. Precisely out of the moral and spiritual crisis, salvation will spring forth. Our “King who loves charity and justice” will fulfill for us His promise: “I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward, you shall be called ‘The city of righteousness, a faithful city.’ Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and those that return to her with righteousness” (Yishayahu 1:25-26).

Looking forward to salvation.
With Love of Israel,
Shabbat Shalom.