Swaying Judges

Gratitude for what others have done for us is one of the greatest traits a Jew can possess. Each morning before arising from bed a Jew declares, "Modeh ani . . . I admit/give thanks to my Creator for returning my soul to me." Gratitude when done right, binds us to whom we have benfitted!

Moses begins recounting to the generation that will head into the land of Israel all the past events where the Israelites erred. He speaks about the setting up of judges. The judges are warned not to show favoritism to litigants.

The Talmud lists cases where judges recused themselves from various cases because of potential favoritism. One judge was helped across a rickety bridge by a to-be litigant in his court. Another had a feather taken off his clothing. It seems odd that these judges (in the Desert and in Talmud times as well) were presumably very discerning people. Were they incapable of keeping themselves aware of their own biases when a litigant had done them a favor?

The previous generations are teaching us a very profound lesson. The judges were indeed very discerning. However, the amount of thanksgiving and gratitude one SHOULD possess toward anyone who does us a favor (even if seemingly a very small favor) should be so GREAT, that it will indeed influence someone to be biased in positivity toward the one who did something good for him. A judge who benefitted from another who has the appropriate amount of gratitude should/would indeed be biased toward the litigant who did him a favor.

"A judge shall not show favoritism in judgment . . ."

Deuteronomy 1:17

* Based on Rabbi Frand, On The Parsha