The verse we're looking at is Deuteronomy 1:16: "And I charged your judges at that time, saying..." What follows is a commentary that really gets to the heart of leadership and community.
The Sifrei interprets the phrase "At that time" to mean that the judges' status had changed. "In the past, you were independent; now you are obligated to the congregation." It's a powerful shift, isn't it? From individual actors to pillars of the community.
To illustrate this point, the text shares a story about Rabban Gamliel, a prominent leader, and two scholars, Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri and Rabbi Elazar ben Chasma.
Imagine the scene: Rabban Gamliel had appointed Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Elazar to positions of leadership in the academy. But one day, they were absent, and the students didn't even realize it. When the two scholars returned towards evening, they simply sat down among the disciples.
Now, Rabban Gamliel had a specific way of gauging the atmosphere of the study hall. If he entered and said, "Ask!" – inviting questions – it meant there were no troublemakers present. But if he remained silent, it signaled the presence of those who might disrupt the learning.
On this particular day, Rabban Gamliel entered and found Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Elazar sitting quietly with the students. He then gently rebuked them: "By your behavior, you have made it known to the congregation that you do not wish to exercise authority over them." He reminded them of their new role, echoing the verse: "In the past, you were independent; from now on, you are obligated to the congregation for their good and welfare."
What's so powerful about this exchange? It highlights the responsibility that comes with leadership. It’s not just about personal scholarship or individual pursuits anymore. It’s about serving the community, even when it means sacrificing a bit of personal freedom.
The Sifrei then expands on the verse "Hear among your brothers" to emphasize the need for careful and deliberate judgment. The text urges the judges, "Be deliberate in judgment. If a (similar) case comes before you one, two, or three times, do not say: I've already ruled on this several times, but be deliberate in (the) judgment (of each case)." Don't become complacent! Each case deserves fresh consideration.
This idea is echoed by the men of the Great Assembly, a legendary group of sages. They famously said: "Be deliberate in judgment, and set up many disciples, and make a fence for the Torah."
The idea of "making a fence for the Torah" might sound strange at first. It essentially means creating safeguards and interpretations that protect the core principles of the Torah. It's about ensuring that the Torah remains relevant and accessible to future generations.
So, what can we take away from this passage? It’s a reminder that leadership is a privilege, but it’s also a profound responsibility. It demands a shift in perspective, from individual pursuits to communal welfare. It calls for careful judgment, continuous learning, and a commitment to safeguarding the values we hold dear. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that even those in positions of authority are still part of the community, bound by the same obligations and responsibilities. A timely reminder, wouldn't you agree?