Hashem wants us to love one another — not only in words, but in how we see, judge, and treat each other.
Parshat Shoftim opens: “V’shaftu et ha’am mishpat tzedek” — judge the people with righteous judgment. The Rachmastrivka Rebbe explains that we begin Elul with Shoftim because as we prepare for Rosh Hashana and our own judgment, we are reminded to judge others favorably.

The Lens We Use For Others

When we judge ourselves, we’re the best lawyers. We quickly find excuses and context. Hashem asks us to extend that same generous lens to others, even when it isn’t natural. This isn’t only person to person. It’s also how groups of Jews see one another. If we train ourselves to look for the good, we open the door for Hashem to look at us the same way.

Hearts Mirror Hearts

Mishlei teaches: “As water reflects a face back to a face, so too the heart of a person to a person.” The way we look at others comes back to us. A smile invites a smile. Kindness awakens kindness. Suspicion creates distance.

The Shopkeeper Story

A man accused a shopkeeper of cheating him. He claimed his pound of goods was short. In beit din it was revealed that the shopkeeper had weighed fairly by balancing the goods against the customer’s own pound. In truth, the customer was the one cheating.
The lesson: our judgments often reflect our own flaws. When we choose to see the good, we usually find honesty and kindness mirrored right back.

Unity Makes Us Unstoppable

Later the Torah says, “Ki teitzei lamilchama” — when you go to war — in the singular. Chazal explain that when we are united as one, we are unstoppable. That unity begins with the smallest acts of care.

Egla Arufa: Love That Protects

When a murdered traveler is found, the Torah commands egla arufa and the elders declare, “Our hands did not spill this blood.” Rashi explains: had they known the traveler, they would have given him food and escort. The Maharal adds: even walking someone part of the way shows solidarity and love and when we show love, Hashem mirrors that love with protection.

Pleasing People, Pleasing Hashem

Pirkei Avot teaches: “Anyone with whom people are pleased, Hashem is pleased with him.” When people feel our kindness, Hashem responds in kind.

The Path To Geula

Disunity creates fear and weakness. Every time we judge favorably, show kindness, and love one another, we build unity. Unity brings Hashem’s love and protection, which brings blessing, which draws us closer to Geula.

Every smile. Every kind word. Every time we choose to see the good. None of it is small. When we judge each other with love, Hashem judges us with love. When we protect each other, Hashem protects us. When we unite in this way, Hashem’s love will rest upon us — and that love will blossom into the ultimate Geula.