Tractate Horayoth
By Justice Michel M. J. Shore
(For the present Daf Yomi Cycle)
In memory of my maternal grandfather, human rights lawyer, author and Jewish activist, Jakub Herzig, Ya’acov Yehoshua ben Yosef, who always said, “truth (thus, justice) should be as transparent as a crystal.”
Also, in memory of my father, Sigmond Shore, Shimshon ben haRav Michael Arie, who always related, as he said in a few lines at my Bar Mitzvah, “not to ever run for honour” but to realize, “the responsibilities of Jew are great; but the honour that a Jew brings upon himself are even greater because it gives him self-respect and as inner feeling of accomplishment.” (My father said, he often discussed this with his father, my paternal grandfather, Rabbi Michael Arie Schorr, Rav Michael Arie ben ha’Rav Shimshon.) His father taught him the pride and responsibility of being a Jew; and, now, he wanted to pass this on to me.” What can a father ask of a son? To be honoured and to do good deeds. Mazal comes from G-d.” My father concluded with Ashrei, as is written, “the L-rd guards all those who love Him.”
TALMUD IN VERSE
No one is infallible except G-d.
Therefore, judges, priests and even mortal kings
Can make mistakes to which they must admit,
In humility and integrity and plain sight.
Imperative, it is to hold awe of heaven
Present in every thought, word and deed.
Honour is not bestowed on those who seek it.
But on those who know before whom they stand
The King of kings, the Judge of judges of us all,
To whom all honour is owed and to be bestowed.
To be in error is not a grievous sin,
but to cause others to err, without taking blame
Is a blight on responsibility held.
Truth in judgment is like a crystal,
Transparent by its reflection of light.
Thus, only then can judgment be set right.
