What does the Torah mean when it states that Moshe "took the heads of the tribes"?
Rashi and Targum Yonasan: It means that he drew them with words - 'How fortunate are you that you have been chosen to judge the children of Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya'akov, people who are termed "Achim, Re'im, Cheilek, Nachalah" and many other expressions of endearment!'
If they were already heads of the tribes, how could Moshe appoint them as heads of tribes?
Oznayim la'Torah: Moshe took men who were leaders of their tribes without having actually been appointed as such, and appointed them officially as heads of their tribes.
What are the implications of "Anashim"?
Rashi (in Shmu'el 1, 1:11): It implies important men - men of standing.
Why does the Torah omit "Nevonim"?
Rashi and Targum Yonasan: Because Moshe didn't find Nevonim. 1 Of the seven qualities mentioned by Yisro, Moshe found only men with three of the qualities specified by Yisro
See also Torah Temimah, note 10.
Refer to 1:15:151:1. See also Oznayim la'Torah, who elaborates.
What is the definition of "Shotrim"? What role did they play?
Rashi: They were law enforcement officers, whose job it was to bind those who were Chayav Malkos and to administer the lashes
What is the difference between the Sarei Alafim, the Sarei Me'os, the Sarei Chamishim and the Sarei Asaros?
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes that Yisro presented seven qualities needed for judges. But the Pasuk in Yisro Sh'mos 18:2 lists only four - "Anshei Chayil Yir'ei Elokim Anshei Emes Son'ei Vatza" (Sh'mos), and the three that Moshe mentioned are not among them?
Moshav Zekenim and Mizrachi: In fact, Yisro also listed the three qualities mentioned here, but for some reason, the Torah mentions them only here.
