The Kedushas Levi writes that before Rosh Hashanah, every Yid wants to have many merits in order to be blessed with a good year. He says that one of the greatest ways to gain these merits is by judging other Yidden favorably, l’kaf zechus. When we look at others with kindness and give them the benefit of the doubt, Hashem judges us the same way.
This is the deeper meaning of the passuk: Shoftim v’shotrim titen lecha — you can appoint your own judge through b’chol she’arecha — through your own actions. How? By v’shaftu es ha’am mishpat tzedek — judging your fellow Yidden favorably. When we judge others with kindness, we help bring Hashem’s kindness upon ourselves.
#1 May a dayan tell one of the people coming before him to sit if he is a very important person?
#2 What type of street signs were found all over Eretz Yisroel?
#3 How many sheep must a person own before he is obligated to give reishis hagez to the Kohein?
Answers: 1) No. Both people must be treated equally so that the other person does not become intimidated when he sees the special treatment being given to the first. 2 ) Signs with a picture of a hand and the word Miklat, pointing people toward the nearest Ir Miklat. 3) Five. (Rashi 18:4).
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 94.