Parashat Devarim: The Seven Standards of a Torah Judge

“Provide for yourselves distinguished men, who are wise, understanding, and well known to your tribes…” — Devarim 1:13

The Torah outlines the foundational qualities of those who serve as judges over the Jewish people. In Parashat Devarim, Moshe reminds the people of the essential attributes required in those chosen to lead with justice. He lists three: wise, understanding, and well-known to the tribes.

This list builds upon an earlier passage in Parashat Yisro (Shemot 18:21), where Moshe’s father-in-law Yisro advised him to appoint judges. There, Yisro specified four critical traits: accomplished, G-d-fearing, truthful, and those who despise monetary gain. Combined with the three from Devarim, the Torah presents a total of seven vital qualities needed in a Torah-true judge.

Beyond the character traits, the Torah emphasizes a principle fundamental to all systems of justice: “Judge fairly.” Fairness means impartiality, objectivity, and truth, regardless of status or familiarity. The verse instructs: “You shall hear the case between your brothers and judge fairly between a man and his brother and the stranger with him” (Devarim 1:16).

Rashi addresses the terminology here. The “stranger” does not necessarily refer to a non-Jew or convert, but rather — in context — to one who is involved in litigation, possibly someone from a neighboring region. In this interpretation, the distinction between “brother” and “stranger” is not one of ethnicity or religion, but of familiarity versus distance, or friend versus litigant.

This is a powerful reminder of the Torah’s ethical demand that justice be blind to favoritism. Even in a conflict between one’s “brother” and an unfamiliar party, the judge must uphold righteousness without bias.

This parashah, then, serves as both a review and a charge: Review the past — the people’s failings, the leadership structure put in place, and the challenges faced. But also look forward — to building a society grounded in integrity, where leaders are selected based not on wealth or status but on character and reputation. These are the judges who will shape a just and enduring nation.

Parashat Devarim is sponsored by Michael & Valentina Zavolunov.