Parashat Shoftim: Awakening Leadership and New Beginnings as We Approach Rosh Hashanah

As we enter the holy month of Elul, a sacred season of introspection and spiritual preparation, we are called to awaken ourselves—Uri, Uri—to rise and grow in our connection to Hashem. The prophet Yeshaya commands us twice: “Wake up, wake up!” This powerful call invites us not only to action but to a deep spiritual awakening, preparing us for the miracles and renewal of Rosh Hashanah.

The Call to Leadership and Personal Growth

In this week’s parasha, Moshe Rabbeinu teaches the vital importance of leadership. He instructs Israel to appoint judges and officials in every town to guide the community with wisdom and fairness. Beyond communal leadership, however, each of us is called to lead ourselves — to take charge of our personal growth and spiritual path.

The Torah commands us: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof — “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” This means seeking truth and fairness in all aspects of our lives, especially when judging ourselves. True justice requires us to align our decisions with Torah values, even when emotions or personal desires might cloud our judgment.

Seeking True Guidance in Our Times

The great commentator Rashi teaches us to rely on the leaders of our generation, the talmidei chachamim who guide us today, rather than longing for past leaders. We must respect their wisdom and follow their guidance carefully.

But leadership is not only external. We are each entrusted with self-leadership, navigating life’s challenges with clarity and fairness. Our senses — our eyes, ears, nose, and mouth — are the gates through which we experience the world and form judgments. We must guard these gates to see, hear, and speak with truth and positivity.

Embracing Hashem’s Kingship

The Torah commands, “You shall surely set a king over you.” This is not about choosing a leader who reflects popular desires but about accepting Hashem’s kingship, the ultimate sovereignty guiding our lives.

During Elul, we are reminded to align our hearts and actions with Malchut Shamayim — the Kingship of Heaven. Choosing Hashem’s path may challenge our comfort, but it leads to spiritual growth and closeness to Him.

Recognizing New Beginnings and Opportunities

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we stand at the gateway to new beginnings. Just as soldiers who recently married or planted vineyards were granted a pause before battle, we too are invited to embrace this new year as a fresh start.

Reflect on your own “new homes” — your family, relationships, and spiritual goals. The Torah encourages us to invest wholeheartedly in these blessings, nurturing them with gratitude and joy.

The Power of Positive Judgment: Dan et Ha’adam Lekaf Zechut

One of Elul’s greatest spiritual practices is dan l’kaf zechut — judging others favorably. Rav Rosenblum shares a powerful story: when seeing a suspicious figure climbing a balcony, instead of assuming harm, we can imagine positive intentions. This kindness purifies our hearts and opens us to Hashem’s mercy in judgment.

When we judge others with compassion, Hashem judges us with mercy, creating the foundation for sincere teshuvah and closeness.

Practical Steps for Elul: Awakening and Renewal

• Awaken Yourself Often: Uri, Uri calls for daily growth. Small consistent efforts lead to meaningful change.

• Pursue Justice and Truth: Align your choices with Torah values, even when it is difficult.

• Judge Others Favorably: Choose to see the good in others and speak kindly.

• Recognize Hashem’s Kingship: Submit your will to Hashem’s guidance during the Yamim Noraim.

• Embrace New Beginnings: Welcome the new year with hope and enthusiasm.

  
  

Conclusion: Preparing Our Hearts for Rosh Hashanah

Elul is a precious opportunity to prepare our souls for the new year. By awakening ourselves, embracing leadership, pursuing justice, judging kindly, and accepting Hashem’s kingship, we open the door to spiritual blessings and renewal.

May we all merit to greet Rosh Hashanah with hearts full of clarity, joy, and emunah, ready for growth and closeness to Hashem.

Dedicated in loving memory of Rav Shlomo ben Reb Yitzchak, z”l, whose devotion to Torah and emunah inspires us all.