Mishpatim: The Altar of Justice

Rav Johnny's original thoughts on the weekly parsha

Chodesh Tov!

In his comments on the first pasuk of Parshat Mishpatim (Shemot 21:1), Rashi - citing the Midrash - explores the connection between the final verses of Parshat Yitro which deal with the Mizbe’ach (Altar), and the laws found in Parshat Mishpatim which relate to judicial law. Specifically, what Rashi explains to us is that this textual juxtaposition paralleled a physical juxtaposition of the Sanhedrin (where Mishpatim were rendered), and the Beit HaMikdash (where the Mizbe’ach was located).

This message is obviously an important one as it highlights the relationship between serving God and living according to God’s laws. In fact, as the Maharal explains, from here we learn that the Sanhedrin and the Mizbe’ach were spiritually equivalent, and that just as the Mizbe’ach made peace between the Jewish people and God, the judgments of the Sanhedrin made peace in the world.

However, as Rabbi Moshe Sherer explains, there is a further lesson which we can learn from the proximity of the Sanhedrin to the Mizbe’ach, which is that, “only one who is prepared to sacrifice himself on the Altar is worthy to sit as a judge on the Sanhedrin” (Rabbi Sherer p. 624). What this means is that the pursuit of true justice often demands significant self-sacrifice. Accordingly, when the Sanhedrin would sit in judgement, its members would be conscious of the nearby Mizbe’ach and would be reminded of the fact that great things, and just judgements, often require sacrifice.

Still, while this idea sounds inspiring, what does it really mean?

To answer this question, Rabbi Sherer references how, ‘Rabbi Baruch Ber Lebovitz instructed his son-in-law [Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky] that, “When you go to a conference for Klal (i.e. to address matters relating to the wider Jewish people), you must pack your tachrichim (shrouds), because a Jewish leader must put his life on the line for his people”’ (ibid.).

Clearly this is a stark statement, but it is also one which conveys a profound message - namely that leaders often make decisions which have a real and direct impact on the lives of others, and consequently, great leaders need to be prepared to not only put the lives of others on the line, but their own lives too, in order to be worthy of that position.

Sadly, the Beit HaMikdash is not yet rebuilt, and the Sanhedrin has not yet been restored. Still, the sentiments expressed by R’ Sherer and R’ Baruch Ber continue to be relevant to our time. Yes, we need knowledgeable judges and leaders. But we also need brave judges and leaders who recognize that real leadership ultimately involves real self-sacrifice – not only of others, but also of themselves too.

Shabbat Shalom!

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