Trust in an Ever Changing World

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with our Fisher High School students at Camp Kulaqua. It was a wonderful experience where we strengthened our sense of kehillah (community).

Throughout the week, students engaged me in many meaningful conversations. During one of them, a student asked a thought-provoking question: “If the Torah has been interpreted by people for thousands of years, how can we trust that those interpretations are accurate? Is it therefore possible that the Torah is as flawed as the humans who have interpreted it?”

This question touches on something fundamental: trust. As young children, we are generally very trusting of others. However, we then spend much of our lives learning to be cautious and developing skepticism about the world around us. We begin to realize that things we once relied on – our communities, systems of authority, or even our understanding – are not always as solid as they seem. In a world that constantly challenges our sense of security, how do we know what to trust?

This dilemma is central to this week’s Parsha of Shoftim, which introduces the laws of justice and leadership. The Torah commands us to follow the rulings of the judges, saying, “You shall not deviate from the word they tell you, to the right or the left” (Devarim 17:11). Rashi, in his commentary, explains that this means we are obligated to trust their decisions, even if it seems they are telling us that what is right is left and what is left is right.

At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Why should we trust the rulings of judges, or any authority, when we might think they’re wrong? 

The Torah is not asking for blind obedience but is teaching us a powerful lesson about the nature of trust and responsibility.

When Hashem gave us the Torah, He handed us something perfect. But He also gave it to human beings – imperfect, fallible, and prone to mistakes. Yet, Hashem entrusted us with interpreting His words and applying them to our world. This trust shows that even though we may not always get things right, the process of learning, questioning, and interpreting is part of the divine plan. The authority of the judges is not about their infallibility; it is about the system Hashem put in place, one that acknowledges human limitations but also values human growth and responsibility.

We, too, must learn to trust – not blindly, but with wisdom. As we approach the High Holidays, this is a powerful message for us all. We must trust in our ability to grow, to reflect, and to make good decisions even when faced with uncertainty. Just as G-d trusted us with His Torah, we must learn to trust ourselves and the systems that help guide us on the path of righteousness.