Shoftim 5784: Righteous Leadership

How does the Torah guide us in creating balanced and just leadership?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Shoftim, delving into the Torah’s vision for leadership and governance. They discuss the various models of leadership presented in the parsha—from judges to kings—and how these roles are meant to balance power and ensure justice. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary challenges, they reflect on the timeless struggle to achieve righteous leadership, the dangers of corruption, and the enduring hope for leaders who inspire rather than command.

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty
Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Nechama Goldman Barash

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where she teaches contemporary halakha and Talmud and also holds the positions of Education Director of the Pardes Learning Seminar and Sexual Misconduct Officer. Nechama studied in Matan’s Advanced Talmud Institute and Hilkhata. She holds a Masters in Talmud from Bar-Ilan University, and is a certified Yoetzet Halakha from Nishmat.

In addition to her work at Pardes, Nechama is Senior Faculty at Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, Lecturer at Matan Jerusalem, and Director of Kitvuni at Matan. She has published Uncovered: Women’s Roles, Mitzvot and Sexuality in Jewish Law, which explores questions of women and halakha in contemporary Jewish life. Nechama lives in Gush Etzion with her family and enjoys ice cream, meditation and yoga.

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