Justice or Peace? (Audio)

What was the benefit of Yitro’s suggestion to Moshe about delegating the role of judging the Jewish people?

By delegating the judicial function downward, Moses would bring ordinary people – with no special prophetic or legal gifts – into the seats of judgment. Precisely because they lacked Moses’ intuitive knowledge of law and justice, they were able to propose equitable solutions, and an equitable solution is one in which both sides feel they have been heard; both gain; both believe the result is fair, which is the ultimate goal of the judicial process. 

This lecture is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

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