No Fear of Man

When Moshe Rabbeinu reflected on his years of leadership of the Jewish people, he recounted the difficulty of his task. At one point, he pleaded with Hashem that it was not a task that he could do alone.

His request was granted when a judicial system was put into play. There would be higher and lower courts, who would judge various cases. The great Sanhedrin would have the final word in every instance.

Moshe again mentioned the qualifications to be a judge in Israel. He should be a person of prominence, who is not easily swayed. He will not take bribes, and he will actively pursue justice.

Moshe added another quality that was needed to serve as a judge in Israel. The Torah uses the words. לא תגורו מפני איש, that one must not be afraid of any man.

This idea was pointed out by the great, Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai, as he summoned his students to his death bed after his one hundred and twentieth birthday.

The students were surprised to hear his simple advice to fear G-d as much as they feared man. They asked the sacred rabbi, “Is that all?” He replied that this is much more than you think. If they could live by this advice, it would be a great thing.

If one truly has faith in Hashem, he will not allow himself to be intimidated or bullied by others. This is particularly true of judges in a court room setting.

They might receive threats from the litigants that might seem to be very real. They must know that if they stand strong and do not falter in their judgement, Hashem will be with them.

The charge of not fearing any man was earmarked for Jewish judges. Nevertheless, this advice applies to everyone. We are to be strong in our convictions, and not be afraid to verbalize them.

Fearing what others think of us, will prevent us from doing what is right. Giving into fear, puts us in a very precarious state. It takes away our confidence and our ability to achieve. It encourages negativity, and ultimately, failure.

We must heed the advice of Moshe Rabbeinu, who also lived to 120, as Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai did. We must not be afraid of any man.