Parashat Shof'tim deals with both the challenges and opportunities of leadership. Like much of Deuteronomy, the text imagines a world the Israelites do not yet inhabit; one where they are sovereign, settled, and agrarian.
Sometimes, when reality becomes so overwhelming, looking at the Torah reminds us that everything that is happening has already occurred in the past. That's exactly how Shof’tim starts.
In this week's Torah portion, Shof'tim, we find one of the most powerful verses in all Jewish text. Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof - Justice, justice you shall pursue.
This week’s parashah deals with all forms of justice: establishment of courts, rules for bearing witness, laws of military engagement, and treatment of captives. Its most quoted line, particularly in the Reform Movement, is Deut. 16:20 - “Tzedek, Tzedek tirdof” (Justice, Justice shall you pursue).
“Justice, justice shall you pursue…” (Deut. 16:20) We find this famous biblical aspiration at the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Shof’tim, which continues Moses’ elaboration of the extensive set of laws that the Israelites are to follow, if they are to create a holy and just society.
Torah Commentary
Motives Matter: Choosing Leaders Well
Who Should I Say is Ruling?
Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue
Social Justice in My Bones
What the Torah Teaches about the Use (and Abuse) of Political Power