Dear Friends,
In our Torah portion this week, the Israelites are instructed to appoint judges, establish governance and create a system of justice. It is in this portion where we find the famous words, “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” which reminds us that the concerns for the establishment of justice in society is both universal and timeless.
In light of this season immediately preceding the High Holy Days and in light of the fact that we are at the beginning of a year of presidential debates filled with political rhetoric and posturing, I believe this simple passage from the Torah can serve as a mantra and a measuring stick. Let us all remember that the pursuit of justice in our lives and in our systems of governance has always been and always will be a central aspect of our identity as a people.
L’Shalom–Steve