Shofet (Judge)
In the language of the Torah and Chazal, a "Shofet" (judge) is a dayan who rules and enforces the laws of the Torah in the world together with the shoter (officer), and in the future together with the yoetz (advisor). In the future, the prophecy "I will restore your judges as at first and your advisors as at the beginning" will be fulfilled, which is one of the prophecies of the geulah (redemption).
The Prophecy edit
During galus (exile), there are no ordained judges, and even if there are, they cannot judge cases involving penalties and capital cases. Therefore, Hashem promised that in the future the judges will return, as the Rambam writes that "the Melech HaMoshiach (King Messiah) will arise... and all the laws will be restored in his days as they were before: offering korbanos (sacrifices), observing shmitah and yovel (sabbatical and jubilee years) according to all their mitzvos as stated in the Torah." This means the restoration of all Torah laws.
Their ordination will be done through the agreement of all the chachamim (sages) in Eretz Yisrael, and through this they will be able to judge cases involving penalties. However, the Rambam is uncertain about this. His uncertainty has been explained because Eliyahu HaNavi will come, as the verse states: "Behold, I am sending you Eliyahu HaNavi," and since he was ordained in a chain going back to Moshe Rabbeinu, he will ordain the judges when Moshiach comes.
The Advisor edit
The advisors are those who will help Bnei Yisrael implement the rulings through good advice, and also to explain and clarify the ruling until it is accepted by the person who is obligated by the judgment.
The Officer edit
In Chassidus, it is explained that the role of the shoter (officer) in the present time is to assist the judge. When a judge issues a ruling, the shoter - who carries a staff and strap - is needed to force the defendant to accept the judgment.
Therefore, in the geulah, when there will be no reality of evil, there will be no need for officers since all people will fulfill the instructions on their own. This is why the verse states "I will restore your judges as at first and your advisors as at the beginning" without mentioning officers, since officers will not be needed. (Unlike during galus when it says "You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates").
Since all matters of Torah are eternal, officers will also exist in the future, but they will serve only positive functions. Their role will be (for example) to inform Bnei Yisrael of the existence of the judge in order to assist them, such as clearing the roads for witnesses of the new moon sanctification.
See Also edit
- Shoter (Officer)
- Dvar Malchus Shoftim