Shoftim
Can we witness our inner worlds without judgment?
Reflection by Or HaLev teacher Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama:
"Parashat Shoftim highlights the importance of ensuring that we build just societies.
On an external level, this means that we are to `appoint for ourselves judges and officials` as the parsha opens (Devarim 16:18), so that each of us can pursue `tsedek,` justice.
But this can be read on an inner level, too.
The `tsaddik`, from the same root, represents a spiritual ideal in the Jewish tradition, the righteous person constantly seeks to reestablish justice in the world.
And they know it starts with their own inner work.
This is the reading the the Hasidic Master the Mei HaShiloach offers in his commentary on the opening verse of the parsha:
`That is, that a human must consider their ways in all their actions.
היינו שיחשוב האדם את דרכיו בכל מעשיו שיעשה`
Without naming it, the Hasidic Master is hinting here at a central Jewish spiritual practice: Cheshbon Nefesh, soul accounting.
Just in time for Shabbat Mevarchim, as we are about to bless the upcoming month of Elul, the month of Teshuva, of which Soul assessment is a core practice.
Assessing our deeds, reflecting on our ways, is something we are all invited to do in between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
But while the process seems to be engaged as early as Tisha B’Av, as we read in Eicha an invitation to `seek our ways, and investigate, and return to God` (3:40), the Rambam reminds us that Cheshbon Nefesh should really be done every night.
Just like any spiritual practice, mindfulness is not a once a year practice but a way of being in the world.
Striving to be a `tsaddik`, a righteous one, in a world that can seem so far away from such values is an everyday job. It takes a lot of honesty, mindfulness and intentionality.
If each of us kept committing to becoming a tsadik every-day, perhaps we could change the world.
Just in time to bless the month of Elul.
Are you ready?"