The Weekly Torah Portion: Shoftim Judges and Prophets in Our Generation
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
This week's Torah portion discusses the role of judges, prophets, and spiritual advisors, particularly in the context of the present era as it relates to the anticipation of the coming of Mashiach and the final Redemption. Judges and Prophets are not just historical figures; rather, they hold relevance in the present. The prophecy of restoring judges and advisers from former times is being fulfilled in the current age before the arrival of the Mashiach.
The presidents of the Chabad Hasidic movement have exemplified the qualities of both judges and prophets. They are providing directives about the nature of the present time, indicating that significant changes are about to be happening, symbolized by phrases such as "all the buttons have been polished," signifying a state of readiness for the most significant event—the final redemption. The world is at a crucial point in history, close to its transformation into a perfect state. The present era is significant in this context, and everyone should serve as a guide, helping their followers prepare for this transformative event.
About forty years ago, the Rebbe called on all the nations of the world to fulfill the seven Noahide commandments. Since this call, the matter has been published to thousands and millions of Gentiles around the world, and in recent years, there has even been incredible growth in the special global movement that includes Gentiles who conduct their lives around the seven Noahide commandments.
Archaeologist Professor Wendell Jones is considered one of the pioneers in the modern Bnei Noah movement, and he was highly encouraged by the Rebbe 33 years ago. On many occasions, he was proud of his meeting with the Rebbe during the distribution of dollars in 1990 and the Rebbe's magnificent words to him: "Wendall Jones, you are doing the most important work in the world." Now, after many years and much growth in the Noahide movement, we can see why this encouragement was so prophetic.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfill Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans". Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the book Light Onto the Nations: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws.
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