Thinking Torah Blog

It is common for us, when quoting Torah, to focus on the pithiest phrases. Many of us are likely familiar with the powerful second verse from this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, which begins: "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice shall you pursue." However, that’s not the entire verse. The Torah continues: “that you may live and occupy the land your God is giving you.” This addition is not just an afterthought; it carries profound meaning.

We often disassociate the pursuit of justice from our ability to live and thrive in a place. We tend to view justice as something personal, an individual or communal matter. But the Torah makes a remarkable connection: justice is inseparable from our relationship with the land itself. The Torah treats place not as a mere object in the story, but almost as a subject. Our survival in the land is conditional. If we want to belong to a place—to truly live there—justice must be our foundation.

This is a powerful and challenging statement. The ability to live and flourish in the land God has given us depends on the integrity of our justice. Only when justice is woven into the very fabric of our lives and our communities can we truly thrive. This week’s portion reminds us that our moral responsibility extends beyond ourselves and toward the world we inhabit.

As we enter Shabbat, let us recommit ourselves to this sacred pursuit of justice, so that we may be worthy of living in the places we call home, in alignment with the Divine promise