Pursuit!

Shoftim

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Précis: The parasha Shoftim (literally, “judges”) is devoted primarily to various themes of justice, and includes warnings against false testimony, idol worship, and the dangers posed by mortal kings. The parasha also warns the people against false prophets, magicians, soothsayers and witches. It establishes requirements for cities of refuge in the Promised Land. In short, the parasha is devoted to ways to create a just society in the Land of Israel.

Deut. 16:20 “Justice, justice you shall pursue that you may live and inherit the land which Adonai your God gives to you.”

As suggested by Daniel R. Allen (Ten Minutes of Torah 8/26/11), the most important word in the verse is “pursue.” He notes that the S’fat Emet teaches that “There is no final depth or end to justice and truth.” The command here is to pursue justice, not to achieve it. In the final analysis, our tradition suggests that the achievement of justice is God’s responsibility.

            

Nevertheless, we live in a world where human beings face issues every hour and every day. Because we are commanded to “pursue” justice, we must always strive for it, in whatever ways we can, be they political or through acts of tzedakah. We “pursue justice” by supporting the Jewish people here, in Israel, and throughout the world. We “pursue justice” when we work for political candidates who stand for the proposition that a government is best measured by how it treats the least in our society. We pursue justice when we look at our souls and see how we can better serve our loved ones and community members.

            

This parasha ushers in the month of Elul, when we begin to prepare and think about the upcoming Days of Repentences framed by Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a time to rededicate ourselves to pursuit.