Liberal Judaism - Written Word - Thought for the Week

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The beginning of Parashat Shofetim (Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9), provides the foundations for a successful ethical religious society. The structure is established, the officials such as the shofetim (magistrates) are designated and the mission statement given, "Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Eternal One is giving you (Deut 16:20)." The legislation that follows does not distinguish between cultic or ethical matters, all being seen as important to Israel becoming a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.

Tonight as I write, is Rosh Chodesh Elul, the first of the month of Elul which precedes the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the period in-between them. Elul is a period of preparation: not just the mechanics of how we are going to get time off work or school and where the mahzorim (High Holyday prayer books) are, but also our spiritual preparation.

Unfortunately, both are often done in a last-minute rush, the former taking priority over the latter so that at least we physically get to Shul for Rosh Hashanah - but what is the point if we have had no time for the latter?

Shofetim provides many points for thought but this one stood out for me this year: "You shall not deviate from the verdict that they announce to you, either to the right or to the left (Deut 17:11)."

This verse forms the basis for Rabbinic Authority. It allows for the continuity of our religion beyond the strict confides of the Written Torah. As Rabbi Meir Simha Hakohen wrote in his Torah commentary, Meshekh Hokhma (1927): "The Torah wished to legislate for those new situations which might arise not included in its permanent and immutable decrees, vesting in the Sages of each generation the prerogative to institute enactments and additional measures of a provisional nature within the limits set them."

However, as Liberal Jews, "we affirm the need to harmonise Rabbinic Law (halakhah) with the social and ethcial perceptions of the modern world (from 'Affirmations of Liberal Judaism')". As I approach Elul, I know which Rabbinic (traditional and progressive) sources that I will look to for inspiration for sermons and spiritual exercise. What I am not too sure about, is where exactly I am going to look in whatever post of modern world I am now in. Our secular life is so complex that it is far to simplified to look for inspiration from one source. I am inspired by thought that contradicts the traditional divisions that one used to subscribe to.

So, I think in the way of thought, it is harder to be a Liberal Jew than one who rests on Rabbinic Authority. We need to make informed choices ourselves. However, that is where we still might turn to our Rabbis, not for authority but for guidance in our process of preparation. My colleagues and I in the Rabbinic Conference will be delighted to support you on this journey.

Parashat Shofetim (Deuteronomy: 16:18 - 21:9)

by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein