Shoftim - August 14, 2026 / 1 Elul 5786
This week’s parsha of Shoftim (Judges) begins with Moshe adjuring the people to set themselves a system of justice – judges and police officers. Moshe continues telling the people to ensure that justice is impartial and bribery and corruption is not tolerated. But then the people are told not to plant an asheira (a tree that was worshipped) or to make a monument (a stone altar as was done by the Canaanites). Clearly there is a link between justice and these concepts, but what is the connection?
The Kedushas Levi (the work of Rabbi Levi Yitchak of Berditchev, 1740-1809) wrote regarding verse 16:22 – “you shall not set up for yourself a monument,” that the word “yourself” is an allusion to joy in this world such as eating and drinking. As such, “do not make yourself a monument” means that you are not to put your enjoyment of the physical ahead of spiritual responsibilities, and recognize that this world is merely a prelude to the next one.
I love that lesson but I had my own thought on this I wanted to share, that also brings us back to the societal challenges of justice and our faith. I think the “making for yourself a monument” could refer to the deification of man. Often today we see people extol the virtues of physical beauty – supermodels and actors, the strength and power of sports stars, the celebrity and art of musical talent and bands. In fact, in many languages and cultures such people are referred to as idols! Even our human science can fall prey to this as people worship the achievements of man, instead of recognizing the interventions of G-d. As we see from the many interactions of celebrities with law enforcement, impartial justice can be challenged by such “monuments.”
To take this one step further, I think this can also apply to the asheira tree. Nature worship was common in ancient times and it still exists. In fact, there are those who will pervert justice and jump from protesting against climate change to calling for Israel’s destruction without a second thought. We must view G-d within nature, or we literally miss the forest for the trees!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
The Kedushas Levi (the work of Rabbi Levi Yitchak of Berditchev, 1740-1809) wrote regarding verse 16:22 – “you shall not set up for yourself a monument,” that the word “yourself” is an allusion to joy in this world such as eating and drinking. As such, “do not make yourself a monument” means that you are not to put your enjoyment of the physical ahead of spiritual responsibilities, and recognize that this world is merely a prelude to the next one.
I love that lesson but I had my own thought on this I wanted to share, that also brings us back to the societal challenges of justice and our faith. I think the “making for yourself a monument” could refer to the deification of man. Often today we see people extol the virtues of physical beauty – supermodels and actors, the strength and power of sports stars, the celebrity and art of musical talent and bands. In fact, in many languages and cultures such people are referred to as idols! Even our human science can fall prey to this as people worship the achievements of man, instead of recognizing the interventions of G-d. As we see from the many interactions of celebrities with law enforcement, impartial justice can be challenged by such “monuments.”
To take this one step further, I think this can also apply to the asheira tree. Nature worship was common in ancient times and it still exists. In fact, there are those who will pervert justice and jump from protesting against climate change to calling for Israel’s destruction without a second thought. We must view G-d within nature, or we literally miss the forest for the trees!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
