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.
This
week’s Torah reading includes two remarkable and noteworthy concepts. In the 3rd
verse we read this morning, we see a clarion call: Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof: Justice,
Justice you shall pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord
your God is giving to you. And in Chapter 20, we read that in
occupying the land, its inhabitants are to first be offered the opportunity to
surrender, and if so, all of the inhabitants are to serve as forced labor. If
they defy the Israelites, all the men are to be slain, and women and children
made captives.
How
we can seek justice on the one hand, and on the other hand enslave or murder the
inhabitants of the land? The idea of killing every male and enslaving the women
and children during an occupation is abhorrent. How can this be just?
I
am fortunate to teach middle and high school students at our community
midrasha, Shoresh. It has always been a challenge to teach high school students
about the distinctions among early Zionist thinkers, in large part because
today’s students find the writings of 19th or early 20th century philosophers
difficult to decipher. It was difficult 10 years ago, and has become
increasingly difficult.
I
believe I know why: they have lived their entire lives with images of Israel as
the occupier and as the military juggernaut of the Middle East. These images
are used, as we know, by the Palestinian propaganda machine, which seems to
succeed in part because it allows no uncensored new coverage in its areas of
control, while all of Israel appears open to TV and Internet reports. And Israel
has failed to respond adequately. The BDS Movement has understood that a target audience of American Jewish Youth is fertile ground for enhancing
its profiles at colleges across the country. So, at Shoresh we discuss why it
is that other nations are not targeted like Israel, nations which commit
atrocities which make Israeli actions pale by comparison. We ask where are the
BDS movements against Syria? Against North Korea? Against China?
How
else do we encourage love of Israel? We continue to read important excerpts
from the founders of the different streams of Zionism. Some students see
resonance with their own feelings in Herzl’s belief in the need for sanctuary,
or in Ben Gurion’s socialism, or Jabotinsky’ nationalism, or in Rav Kook’s
religious imperative. In our study of history, we stress the essential fact
that the Arab world has never agreed to the existence of a Jewish State
in their midst. Only when Israel defeated its foes in combat were they grudgingly
accepted by some of their neighbors.
We
analyze statements made by the PLA, Hezbollah, and Hamas about Israel, and
deconstruct the falsehoods so often contained within them. Finally, I emphasize
that there is a difference between love of Israel and support of its current
government or its policies. They get this, because they love America but most,
if not all, detest its president.
I
remain hopeful. I still believe in the mitzvah of tzedek, tzedek tirdof,
and will continue to seek justice, for Israelis as well as for Palestinians,
and strive to instill this spirit in my students.
