We often think of grand things – governments, economies, armies – but what if the foundations are more subtle, more... human?

Our story today takes us into the heart of Jewish law, exploring the vital role of judges and justice. It all starts with a seemingly simple verse from Deuteronomy (16:18): “Judges and officers you shall place for you within all your gates that the Lord your God is giving you for your tribes, and they shall judge the people with fair judgment.”

But what does "fair judgment" really mean? Can someone judge fairly if they're related to the person standing before them? That's the question the Sages grappled with, as recorded in Devarim Rabbah.

The halakha, the Jewish legal tradition, dives deep into this. Is it permissible for a relative to judge a family member? The Sages teach us that relatives, specifically those whose testimony wouldn't be accepted in court, are also ineligible to serve as judges in those cases. This includes one's father, brother, father's brothers, and mother's brothers. Why? Because just as a relative is deemed unfit to testify impartially, so too are they deemed unfit to judge impartially.

Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai offers a powerful analogy, drawing a parallel between legal disputes and the laws of tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy. The Torah (Deuteronomy 21:5) states that the priests, sons of Levi, are chosen to serve God, to bless in God's name, and “by their word shall be every dispute and every case of leprosy.” Rabbi Shimon points out that just as the examination of leprosy must occur during the day, so too must judgment occur during the day. And crucially, just as relatives are excluded from decisions regarding leprosy, they must also be excluded from judging disputes. It's about maintaining objectivity and fairness, ensuring that personal ties don't cloud judgment.

But Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel takes us to an even grander scale. He warns us not to regard justice lightly, declaring it "one of the stanchions that support the world." The Sages taught that the world stands upon three things: justice, truth, and peace. Distort justice, and you destabilize the very foundation of existence.

The Rabbis go even further, suggesting the potency of justice is so great that it forms one of the legs of the Divine Throne itself! Where do they get this idea? From Psalm 89:15: “Righteousness and justice are at the base of Your throne; kindness and truth greet Your countenance.” Imagine that – the very structure of God's authority rests on the principles of righteousness and justice.

And if that's the case, what does it imply? The Holy One, blessed be He, warns that the punishment for injustice is severe. That’s why our passage emphasizes "Judges and officers" – it's a reminder of the immense responsibility and the potential consequences of failing to uphold justice.

So, the next time you think about justice, don't just think about courtrooms and legal systems. Think about the foundations of the world, about the very legs of the Divine Throne. Think about the importance of impartiality, of truth, and of the delicate balance that holds everything together. It's a heavy responsibility, but one that we all share in striving to create a more just and equitable world. What are the "stanchions" that you are helping to uphold today?