blogs/rabbi-huberman

A piece of art that hangs in our dining room often becomes obscured by dishes, Shabbat candles, and our big bowl of kippot.

It’s not my favorite piece. Its colors are bland, but sometimes as we pass the chicken, potatoes, and salad at Shabbat dinner, its message catches my eye.

Tzedek, Tzekek Tirdoff. “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue.”

At face value, its meaning is clear. But over the ages, our rabbis have discussed, debated and often disagreed about where this commandment ranks among Judaism’s 613, fueled by the question, Why did God – who never wastes words—mention “justice” twice? 

Rashi (1040-1105), our greatest biblical commentator, interpreted the commandment to mean, “Seek out a good court,” meaning society must assure the appointment of unbiased judges.

Notes the Torah: “You shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning and upset the plea of the just.”

Ibn Ezra (1089-1164) saw this commandment as a guide to how parties should conduct themselves in a court.

“The repetition of justice implies they should pursue a just result whether it brings them profit or loss.”

Based on our troubled history, the Etz Chaim Bible Commentary reminds Jews to serve as guardians of justice for others.

It observes that, “Inspired by this verse…and by a history of living as a mistreated minority, Jews have been at the forefront of struggles for social justice.”

Some say repetition of the word “justice” reminds judges never to favor rich over poor. Others note that the poor or disadvantaged should never use their economic status to justify habitual criminal behavior.

Yet this week, as I read the parashah and considered its relevance to the current state of justice in our country, I unconsciously sighed and asked myself a troubling question:

Should the Torah serve as an idealistic antique, a “north star” that we can never truly reach, or should we consider the Torah a document to live by? 

“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” Is the idea relevant today? Are we even trying?

As judges openly accept gifts, trips and perks—often appointed according to political or religious doctrine—have we lost the true meaning of the concept?

How interesting that the word “Tzedek” (justice) forms the core of the word Tzedakah. We widely interpret Tzedakah to mean   “charity.”

But when we place the word Tzedek in context – the word Tzedakah more accurately connects us to the idea of “re-justicing.”

When we give Tzedakah, in some way, we “re-justice” the world – often from those who have more to those who may not have enough.

Today’s world—as it has through time—is subject to many rationalizations.

Perhaps there are those who abuse our social systems.

Perhaps there are those—of all races and backgrounds—who refuse to become working members of our society.

But there are far more – the majority I believe—who wish to be a part of the American dream that says: When we work hard –we earn the right to become a member of a free and functioning society based fairness and justice.

These are complex times.

There are valid complaints and concerns expressed by all sides of the political perspective. Indeed, how do we create a just society?

Our sages remind us that these conversations between all points of view must be conducted – L’Shem Shamayim – in the name of heaven, and our differences can never pollute the biblical commandments of “justice, justice.” 

Are fairness and impartiality still possible in this politically fractured world?

Or, as Jews, have we become so obsessed with single issues that we have forgotten and rejected our ageless dedication to the Godly concept of Tzedek.

And let us not forget that justice extends to our homes—in how we treat and exhibit patience with each other—at our work-- in how we interact, cooperate and respect others—and how we interact with friends, and strangers of similar or different perspectives.

Our covenant with God is to remember where we come from, and that Torah is more than a book residing within a closed ark. It is a blueprint for life.

This week’s parashah inspires us to look beyond our current climate of fanaticism and political oaths, and ask ourselves whether we are comfortable remaining passive.

This evening at Shabbat dinner, as we pass the potatoes, I will no doubt look up at that piece of art and remind myself of the importance of teaching our children and grandchildren that the quest toward “Tikun Olam”—the healing of this broken world—can never end.

Is the tradition of the Torah still relevant?

This week, God provides us with a clue: Tzedek Tzedek Tirdoff. “Justice, Justice, Shall You Pursue.”

It is so crucial to the survival of a free and equitable society—that God mentions it twice.

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman