Chukat: The Legacy of Leadership 

Shoftim 11:1-33

Yiftach, in his role as judge and warrior, provides us with profound insights into leadership and the respect due to those who are in positions of authority. The Gemara in Rosh Hashanah highlights the posuk in Tehillim (99:6) which equates Shmuel with Moshe and Aaron, underscoring the significance of leadership in each generation. Every generation has its own leaders who, regardless of their perceived stature compared to past leaders, are to be respected and followed. Moshe and Aaron, along with Shmuel, are all considered paramount leaders who communicated directly with Hashem and were answered by Him. By equating Shmuel with Moshe and Aaron, the posuk implies that leadership's Divine approval and legitimacy are consistent across generations, even when the leaders differ in personality and circumstances.

The Gemara takes this concept further by comparing the significant leaders, Moshe, Aaron, and Shmuel, to the seemingly less distinguished Gideon, Shimshonand Yiftach. This comparison teaches that each generation’s leader, regardless of their apparent greatness or lack thereof, is considered equal to the greatest leaders of previous generations. The leaders of every era, despite their individual differences, hold the same weight and authority in their respective times. The essence of this teaching is that one must honor and obey the leaders of their own generation. The Gemera states: "Yerubavel in his generation is worthy of being treated like Moshe in his generation; Bedan (Shimshon) in his generation is like Aaron in his generation; and Yiftach in his generation is like Shmuel in his generation." This analogy underscores that leadership is not only about personal greatness but also about the role and responsibility bestowed upon an individual by the community and by Divine providence.

The posuk in Devarim 17:9 instructs, וּבָאתָ אֶל הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם וְאֶל הַשֹּׁפֵט אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם, and you shall come to the Kohanim, the Leviim and to the judge who shall be in those days. One is directed to seek guidance from the judge of their own time. Is it possible to consult judges from the past? The Torah is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority and decisions of contemporary leaders and judges, as they are the ones equipped to address the current challenges and realities of the time.

It is challenging to accept current leadership and not look back at previous successful and impressive leaders. Shlomo HaMelech in Kohelet, 7:10, advises against longing for the "former days" and instead encourages accepting and working with the present. This is a crucial civic lesson: every generation faces unique challenges and opportunities, and it is neither wise nor productive to compare the leaders of today unfavorably with those of the past. 

Each leader is chosen for their time and has the tools and abilities needed for their specific generation. While Yiftach, as portrayed in the haftorah, comes across as clearly a spiritually inferior to Shmuel, nonetheless he is successful in leading the Jewish people in battle during his time. As such, he is the proper leader for his time period. Respect for contemporary leadership ensures the stability and continuity of our communities and faith throughout the ages.