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.
