By Rabbi Yosef Shemtov: In this week’s portion, we see that HaShem commands Beni Israel to appoint judges and policemen for you (in singular form) in all your gates (cities) and they should judge people with a just and fair judgment. The Rabbis learn that singular form of “you” means that this commandment is not just in court but this applies to everyone at all times. “Your gates” can mean any part of your body such as the eyes, ears, mouth etc…
The Torah wants us to analyze everything we do to make sure that it’s right and proper before doing it. Before we talk, see or walk etc…, the Torah wants us to give the benefit of the doubt when we deal with other people. There are many instances when we see people doing something which seems bad and wrong but when we hear the whole story everything changes. That’s why it is a positive mitsva to always give the benefit of the doubt.
We just started the month of Elul, a month of selichot and repentance before Rosh Hashana. The best way to merit a good judgment is to train ourselves to judge others favorably and always see the good in others; then HaShem also will judge us favorably.