Torah Portion - August 21, 2009
D’var Torah: “I really mean it!”
Shabbat Parashat Shoftim 8/21/09
From time to time, we all say something for emphasis. We raise our voices to send a message, or use inflection in our voice, or stomp, scream or even pound a table to underscore a point we’re trying to make.
When we do so, those around us know it! It’s unmistakable. But when we read a book, an article or a letter, it may not be so easy to discern what is more important than something else.
In literary works, repetition sends that message. In our parasha this week we find such an emphasis in Deuteronomy 16:20, “Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live and possess the land the Lord, your God, is giving you.” What is the Torah saying?
And as we approach the High Holidays (a month away!), we are reminded of certain enduring lessons for life. Justice – fairness, honesty and integrity – are values that keep a society together. It also keeps families, relationships – personal and public – in “working order.”
The Torah teaches that without justice as the fundamental building block for society or a relationship, it will fail. The repetition is a clear emphasis. The Torah is “pounding” this message home. It is screaming out at us to: “BE JUST!” As when the angel called out to Abraham as he was about to slay Isaac on
Basically, the Torah is saying, “OK, people, THIS I really mean!” I only hope that we hear.
Shabbat Shalom!