Who are we to judge?

A husband turns to his wife after leaving a party, and asks if she noticed an acquaintance of theirs. His wife asks, “Are you referring to the woman with that hideous looking pink outfit?” “Yes,” replies the husband, “I think she was wearing a pink dress.” The wife continues, “Standing in the corner of the room all night, hoping men would notice her on their way to the bar?” “Yes,” her husband answers. “With those oversized earrings?” “Yes, yes, that’s the one I am talking about,” her husband responds. “Well,” the wife says, “to tell you the truth, I didn’t notice her.”

You see, judges aren’t the only ones who judge. Every one of us, to a lesser or greater degree, sits in judgement. We judge people whether they be public figures or common people in our social circles. We question their motives and actions. We judge how they look, and what they say. We accuse, we point fingers, and we are quick to vent our feelings and opinions of them.

This behaviour becomes second nature to the extent that we are no longer even aware that we are doing it.

The parsha of Shoftim (Judges) has a profound lesson to teach in this regard. The opening words, “Shoftim veshotrim titein lecha” (You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers) contain an important insight. If you look closely, the syntax of the phrase is such that it would flow much better, in Hebrew and English without the word lecha, (for yourself). The sentence could just as easily read, “You shall appoint judges and officers”. However, our sages, in their wisdom, derive an important insight from the seemingly superfluous word and, indeed, the fact that it’s in the singular. The task of judging should be an internal exercise. Rather than judging others, we should judge ourselves, and only ourselves.

In the Ethics of the Fathers, Hillel teaches, “Don’t judge another until you have reached his place.” The reality is that we can never stand in another’s place. Thus, Hillel’s message is clear and unequivocal – don’t judge others.

Our shul, together with many others in Gauteng, will, baruch Hashem, be reopening this week. Here too, this lesson is so pertinent. There will be many who will decide not to return to shul, quite correctly so. They may have underlying medical conditions or may simply be afraid of returning to public gatherings at this time. It’s not for us to judge!

As we enter the month of Elul, let’s strive to be less judgemental of others. Let’s rather focus on self-reflection and self-evaluation.

And, as Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgement, nears, let’s remember that there is only one true judge in this world.

If we can heed the lesson and show love, compassion, tolerance, and acceptance of others, we can be certain that Hashem will judge us favourably this Rosh Hashanah.

Shabbat Shalom