1. The Eglah Arufah Procedure and Its Meaning
At the end of Parshas Sheftim, the Torah describes the case where a body is found lying on the ground and the identity of the killer is unknown. The Torah instructs us to measure which city is closest to the deceased, and then prescribes a unique procedure involving bringing a calf—eglah arufah—to a specific location. The elders of that city must wash their hands and make a declaration, as stated in the verse: “Our hands have not spilled this blood, nor did our eyes see.” This public statement seems to be an attempt by the elders to exonerate themselves from any blame or responsibility for what happened.
2. Rashi’s Question: Are Elders Suspected of Bloodshed?
Rashi addresses an obvious question: Would anyone suspect that the elders of the beis din—the city’s court—are murderers? Is it conceivable that they would have killed someone? Rashi explains that their declaration means something deeper: “We did not see him and let him go without food or escort.” In other words, they are affirming that they did not neglect their communal responsibilities by sending this traveler away without providing for his needs or ensuring his safety.
3. The Deeper Responsibility: Food and Escort
The idea of escorting makes sense—if someone walks alone, he is more vulnerable to attack. But what about providing food? After all, the person was not found dead from hunger. Rashi, quoting the Gemara in Sota, explains that if they sent him away hungry, he might have been forced to steal in order to survive. In such a case, those whom he tried to rob could have killed him in self-defense. Thus, failing to provide food could indirectly lead to his tragic end. The Torah uses this incident as an opportunity to teach us about communal responsibility: ensuring that everyone passing through has what they need so they do not fall into desperate circumstances.
4. Spiritual Application: Responsibility for Every Jew
This lesson extends beyond physical needs. Sometimes we encounter someone who is spiritually disconnected—“spiritually dead,” so to speak. The Torah tells us that when we are connected to HaKadosh Baruch Hu—the Holy One Blessed Be He—we are truly alive: “Atem ha-deveikim ba-shem Elokeichem chayim kulchem hayom—You who cling to Hashem are all alive today.” But if someone is unaware of his Jewish identity or feels no connection to it, he is like one who is cut off from life itself.
The Torah teaches us our obligation: just as with physical needs, we must provide spiritual nourishment—Torah learning, mitzvos, love and awe of Hashem—to those who lack it. We must offer support and guidance, helping them explore their heritage and find meaning in Yiddishkeit.
5. Guiding with Support: Food for Thought and Companionship
The responsibility includes both “feeding”—teaching Torah and mitzvos—and “escorting”—offering companionship and support along their journey. It falls especially on the Ziknei Ha’ir—the elders of the community—to ensure no one is left alone or without direction. If we fail in this duty, people may seek fulfillment elsewhere, sometimes turning to negative influences or destructive behaviors because they lack spiritual sustenance.
6. The Role of Elders and Grandparents
This message ties into family life as well. Recently in shul there was a celebration for two grandchildren born before Shabbos, as well as a Kiddush honoring grandparents. This highlights another aspect of Ziknei Ha’ir: grandparents and elders have an ongoing responsibility toward their children and grandchildren—even when those children are already adults.
Elders must inspire, teach, and guide future generations—especially when parents may not be fully engaged with Yiddishkeit themselves. Grandparents can play a crucial role by bringing grandchildren to shul and helping them along their spiritual path.
7. A Communal Declaration of Responsibility
The declaration made by the elders in Parshas Sheftim is not merely an excuse or denial of guilt—it is a reminder that responsibility rests on every member of the community: parents, grandparents, leaders alike. When something goes wrong—when someone becomes disconnected physically or spiritually—we must ask ourselves whether we provided what was needed: nourishment for body and soul, guidance along life’s path.
This is the enduring message of the parsha: each generation must take active responsibility so that no one falls through the cracks—physically or spiritually—and every Jew remains connected to Hashem and Klal Yisrael.