Judaism's Prime Directive

Shoftim

Deut. 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.”

Rabbi Bradley Artson writing in MyJewishLearning.com (8/6/13) suggested that the mandate to seek justice in this verse is the “prime directive” of Judaism. He states, “One cannot claim to love God and not be passionate about justice. That is the primary Jewish contribution to the human spirit.”

            I agree and believe that the pursuit of justice is an essential Jewish characteristic.  The Sages concur, and in Midrash D’varim Rabbah, they suggest that God loves justice even more than ritual sacrifices. The midrash goes on to explain why justice is superior to ritual: it can be pursued and achieved whether or not a Temple stands; justice can atone for intentional as well as unintentional sins; and finally, even God is obligated to act justly.  The Sages understand that we cannot be observant Jews without a binding commitment to pursuing justice in all aspects of our lives and societies.

            In recent days and months, we have witnessed a rise in anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-black white supremacists (some calling themselves “Alt-Right”) who seek “White Civil Rights.” Jews – as is right and correct, and in accord with our tradition – have been among the leaders combating this reawakening of an old evil. We cannot give up this effort to unmask the evil that these people represent, nor fail to hold responsible those whose inaction have allowed them to crawl out from under the rocks where they have remained hidden.

            Judaism is often mischaracterized as being a faith all about law and ritual. While there is a plethora of ritual commandments, we have to remember that the passion for justice is the core of Judaism.