1. The Context of the Parsha and the Kohen's Role
In Parshas Sheftim, specifically in Shishi, there is a profound lesson that Rashi brings out regarding our attitude toward those who have strayed from the right path. The Torah describes the scene before going out to war: the people are gathered and given a pep talk. A special Kohen, anointed for this purpose and called the Kohen HaMashuach—the anointed Kohen for war—addresses the nation. He begins by proclaiming, “Shema Yisrael”—listen, Israel—you are approaching battle with your enemies. Do not be afraid or fearful, as Rashi explains, not to fear the tactics of the enemy nations. Hashem, your God, goes with you and will wage war on your behalf and protect you. This initial encouragement is delivered solely by the Kohen.
2. The Exemptions Announced Before Battle
Following the Kohen’s words, there is a second stage where both the Kohen and the sheytrim—the officers or policemen—announce exemptions for certain individuals who do not need to go to war. These include: one who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it; one who has planted an orchard but has not yet redeemed its fruits in Yerushalayim; and one who has betrothed a woman but has not yet married her. Each exemption is explained so that another person should not end up dedicating his house, redeeming his orchard, or marrying his betrothed if he were to die in battle. These announcements are made publicly so those individuals can return home.
3. The Case of Fearful Soldiers: Two Interpretations
The Torah continues with another exemption: “Who is the man who is afraid and faint of heart? Let him go and return home so he does not melt his brothers’ hearts as his own.” Rashi brings two interpretations here. Rabbi Akiva explains this simply as someone who cannot withstand the fear of war—a person terrified by battle should go home. Rabbi Yosei HaGlili offers a deeper explanation: this refers to someone afraid because of his aveiros—sins—worried that his misdeeds will cause him harm in battle at a time of danger.
4. Why Exemptions for House, Orchard, and Betrothed?
Rashi points out an amazing insight: these other exemptions (house, orchard, betrothed woman) are not truly necessary from a spiritual perspective since Hashem promises protection in battle. So why does the Torah allow them? The answer is that these exemptions serve to cover up for those leaving because of their sins. If only sinners were allowed to leave, everyone would know exactly why they were departing and could point fingers at them.
The Torah’s compassion is evident—it creates plausible reasons for anyone to leave so that those returning due to aveiros are protected from shame or public exposure. This way, when someone leaves before battle, others might assume it’s for any number of legitimate reasons rather than sinfulness.
5. The Profound Lesson in Sensitivity
This teaches us an extraordinary message about how we must treat others—even those who have made mistakes or strayed from the path. The Torah goes out of its way to protect their dignity and prevent embarrassment or gossip about their shortcomings.
Rashi does not say that sinners would refuse to leave if exposed; rather, he emphasizes that we must cover up for them regardless—to shield them from shame and judgment by others.
6. Applying This Sensitivity in Our Lives
If the Torah takes such care to obscure even potential embarrassment for those with aveiros, how much more so must we be careful never to publicize or dwell on another’s faults—even if we know they have sinned or continue to make mistakes! We must strive to cover for others just as we would want our own shortcomings kept private.
The Tzemach Tzedek in Derech Mitzvosecha expresses this beautifully: just as you dislike when your own failings are revealed and wish they remained hidden, so too you should never expose what your friend has done wrong.
7. Structure of Announcements: Why Different Roles?
This sensitivity may also explain why different parts of these announcements are delivered by different people—the Kohen alone encourages trust in Hashem’s protection without mentioning human concerns at all. When it comes to practical exemptions (house, orchard, marriage), both Kohen and sheytrim announce them together—perhaps because these involve more worldly considerations.
The exemption for fearfulness (yore v’rach halevav) is announced only by the sheytrim, not by the Kohen—possibly because dealing with sin or personal fear falls outside the spiritual realm represented by the Kohen’s role.
8. Conclusion: A Clear Message for Us All
The message here is clear and powerful: our responsibility is always to protect another’s dignity—to avoid exposing faults or speaking negatively about anyone else, even if their mistakes seem obvious or ongoing. We must internalize this lesson from Rashi and apply it in our daily interactions with others.