Rabbi Yaakov Glauberman Urges Self-Judgment and Integrity Ahead of New Year

In his weekly Torah commentary, Rabbi Yaakov Glauberman reflects on the biblical portion of Shoftim, the fifth in the Book of Deuteronomy, which focuses on laws of justice, kingship, punishment, and legal proceedings. The portion begins with God's command to Moses to appoint judges and officers in every city and district to maintain order and ensure fair justice for all. The Torah emphasizes the importance of judicial integrity, strictly forbidding bribery both from litigants and judges, as bribery distorts truth and justice.

Rabbi Glauberman highlights that these laws, governing interpersonal relations, are especially relevant during the month of Elul, a time dedicated to self-reflection, repentance, and mercy in Jewish tradition. He stresses that a just and fair legal system is fundamental to a healthy society and that the Torah reiterates prohibitions like bribery to safeguard this system.

Drawing a parallel to the upcoming Jewish New Year, the rabbi calls on individuals to appoint internal judges and officers, mechanisms of self-accountability, to guide their behavior towards others. Since people are inherently biased about their own virtues and faults, he advises relying on Torah wisdom and rabbinic guidance to cultivate fairness and honesty in daily life. This self-monitoring aligns with the spiritual themes of Elul and prepares one for righteous conduct in the year ahead.