The values of justice, honesty and integrity are deeply embedded in Jewish teachings. They emphasize the importance of upholding law and order, not only for the sake of individuals involved but for the well-being and harmony of the entire community.
Rabbi Yisroel Salanter—a 19th-century Lithuanian rabbi known for his emphasis on ethical behavior—once encountered a shopkeeper who was known for his honesty. People praised the shopkeeper for never cheating his customers, even when they were unaware of the true value of their purchases. Rabbi Salanter asked the shopkeeper why he went to such lengths to be honest. The shopkeeper replied, “Rabbi, the law of the land does not apply to you, but it applies to me. If I were to cheat others, it might lead them to disrespect the law and act dishonestly in their dealings with others. By upholding honesty, I am contributing to a just and fair society.”
In this week’s portion of parshas Shoftim—found in the book of Devarim—the Torah delineates the intricate fabric of a just society. It outlines the establishment of a system of judges, officers and law enforcement officials—elements crucial for maintaining order, upholding justice and ensuring the harmonious coexistence of the community. This narrative is not just a historical account; it serves as a timeless guide for understanding the importance of police officers and judges in society.
Parshas Shoftim acknowledges the necessity of officers to uphold the law and maintain societal order. Devarim 16:18 states: “Judges and officers shall you appoint for yourself in all your gates.” The mention of “gates” alludes to “the entrances of cities,” symbolizing the necessity for a vigilant police force that safeguards against threats from without and within. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 113a) further elucidates the responsibilities of these officers, emphasizing their role in preserving peace and preventing chaos.
The role of judges are as custodians of justice, ensuring fairness and equity in resolving disputes. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) expounds on the significance of judges and their ability to render decisions. It is through their discernment that the divine will of justice manifests within human affairs. By establishing a legal framework and rendering verdicts in accordance with Torah principles, judges are integral in maintaining the moral fabric of society.
The Torah mandates the appointment of judges who are “men of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge,” (Devarim 1:13). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) amplifies this principle by highlighting the requirement for judges to be knowledgeable in Torah law. This emphasis on wisdom and knowledge ensures the application of a just and moral code. Additionally, the Talmud (Shabbos 10a) stresses that judges are accountable to a higher authority—both human and divine—for their judgments. This principle reinforces the notion that the judicial system is not just a human construct, but one accountable to a higher moral standard.
Both the roles of judges and law enforcement officers underscore the communal responsibility for maintaining justice. The Talmud (Shavuot 30a) draws attention to the collective guilt borne by a society in which wrongdoing prevails. Just as judges and officers have a divine mandate to administer justice, society at large has a responsibility to create an environment conducive to lawfulness. This collaborative effort emphasizes that justice is not merely the responsibility of those appointed to enforce it but a duty shared by all members of society.
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7a) draws a parallel between the divine attributes of justice and human implementation of the law. Just as God is the ultimate Judge—orchestrating the cosmic order—human judges serve as vessels of divine judgment within the realm of humanity. Likewise, the divine attribute of “din” (justice) is mirrored in the enactment of laws by governments and societies. Therefore, the roles of police officers and judges derive their sanctity from being instruments through which divine justice is channeled into the world.
The Torah—in Devarim 16:20—emphasizes the balance between righteousness and compassion: “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” This repetition underscores the harmony between the strict execution of justice and the compassionate consideration of individual circumstances.
Recruiting and retaining police officers has become increasingly challenging in recent times due to a variety of factors, including societal shifts, negative public perception and the demanding nature of the profession. These challenges have been compounded by a series of high-profile incidents involving law enforcement officers, leading to calls for reform and changes in policing practices. Judges have also been hamstrung in their ability to dispense justice by the passage in some jurisdictions of “no bail, no jail” laws.
Trust in law enforcement has eroded in certain communities. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 48% of Americans reported having “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in the police, down from 53% the previous year. This lack of confidence can deter certain individuals from pursuing a career in law enforcement and lead to officers leaving the profession, due to the negative portrayal of their work.
That is why—when we read parshas Shoftim—we need to appreciate that we have a profound divine imperative for the establishment of a judicial system and law enforcement. These roles—far from being subject to disdain and derision, or being considered mundane human constructs—derive their significance from their alignment with divine justice and wisdom.
Judges and officers serve as conduits through which divine justice is administered in the human realm, upholding the balance between equity and compassion. The principles elucidated in this week’s Torah portion—supported by Talmudical sources—establish the indispensability of police officers and judges in fostering a just and harmonious society. In embracing these principles, we honor the divine wisdom that beckons us to forge a world rooted in justice, morality and unity.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
