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FESTSCHRIFT | 47

REPRESENTING HASHEM AND HIS PEOPLE

By Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky
Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon (RIETS, YU)

Composed in tribute to Rabbi Daniel Rapp

In Parshas Shoftim the Torah describes a court case being judged “In the presence of
Hashem”. Chazal teach us that when judges rule on a Din Torah, Hashem’s presence

is there. Not only is Hashem present during the court proceedings that are done ac-
cording to Torah law, the Judges themselves are emulating and representing the True
Judge of the entire world.

There is a halachic challenge that arises concerning the ability to judge a Din Torah
nowadays. Technically the judges must be ordained with a unique semicha that we no
longer can confer. If so, how can any cases be judged today according to Torah law?
Chazal teach us that our judges today are acting as representatives of the judges of pre-
vious generations. Those who possessed the original semicha granted today’s judges
the authority to rule on their behalf.

It is this dual aspect of representation that encompasses the role of a judge. A judge
fulfills his role serving the Jewish People, both as a representative of Hashem and as an
agent for Torah authorities. Similarly, anyone involved in the teaching of Torah has a
responsibility to represent both Hashem and previous generations of Torah scholars.
Only by being loyal to Hashem and the tradition of the Jewish People can Torah be

transmitted to the next generation.

I have had the privilege to know Rabbi Rapp for many years. Beginning during our

years together in Yeshiva, both at Yeshiva University and Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh,
and later teaching together, Rabbi Rapp has always excelled in his ability to master
Torah and teach it to others. In his multiple roles as a Rabbi of a community, a rebbe in
Yeshiva, and a dayan in a rabbinical court, Rabbi Rapp represents Hashem and previ-
ous generations of Torah leaders as he serves as a role model for the Jewish People.

On behalf of my wife, Efrat, and myself, we wish a mazal tov to Rabbi Rapp and to