Shoftim

It is only a month until we gather together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. But preparing for the New Year has already begun. The month of Av draws to a close, a month marked by sadness on our Jewish calendar. With the arrival of Elul, we consider the “renewal of vows” with God and our fellow humans. The phrase Ani l’dodi v’dodi li – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” forms the acronym that is the word Elul. How has our relationship with those around us made us better humans, and how has that relationship elevated our community, our society, and the world?

This week’s parasha, Shoftim, reminds us that it is not enough to simply go through life taking what we want from our surroundings. We are responsible for behaving in a way that allows for harmony and accord. Beginning with the phrase, tzedek, tzedek tirdof, “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” we are not asked, but rather commanded to do what is right so that society can thrive, and we can elevate our selves to a higher degree of holiness.

Isaiah says: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

But how does one learn to do right? If you find yourself in surroundings for which you are unfamiliar, how do you know the rules, the customs, what side of the road to drive on, or cultural norms? What is proper in one community may be abhorrent in another. With some preparation, perhaps with a teacher or mentor, and by emulating the actions of others, we can learn what is proper. We see this type of learning in young children. We are not born with good manners and knowing our boundaries. These behaviors are taught to allow us to survive and thrive within our families and with friends. Even in the primate world, animals learn the way to behave within their clans.

How does one seek justice? The fact that our parasha does not simply say tzedek tirdof caused our rabbis to focus on this important repetition of words. The command is given to each of us as individuals, and yet, that pursuit affects us all. In word and in deed, in every aspect of business and pleasure, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, and any other situation that divides us, seeking justice unites us and leads us to peace.

Seeking justice sounds nice. We can read or listen to the news, and we can send prayers to those who are the victims and others who suffer. But what makes the pursuit of justice real is what we do to take our prayers beyond the walls of our homes and synagogues. We need to “pray with our feet.” Writing letters to our congressional representatives, lobbying, volunteering at soup kitchens and homeless shelters, and becoming active in the community – Jewish and secular - can bring about real change. Thinking that one voice, one vote cannot possibly make a difference is a fallacy.

There was a celebration of the marriage of two young people who had grown up in the same village. Everyone was invited to bring a cup of wine to add to the jug that would be used for the celebration. Moishe thought, “No one will notice if I bring water instead of wine. After all, wine is expensive.” So, he poured his cup of water into the jug. Then Yaakov arrived. He too had thought, “I am too poor to be able to afford wine, so I’ll just bring water. No one will notice.” His water was added to the jug. And so it went, one by one, the guests who thought no one would notice added water instead of wine, thinking their one contribution (or lack thereof) would not be noticed. When it came time for the wine to be served, the spout was opened, and all that came out was … water.

As we approach the upcoming High Holy Day season, we do a cheshbon ha’nefesh -  an accounting of the soul. Our “year in review” focuses on many aspects of our being.

Have we been good to ourselves? Have we eaten in a mindful manner, devoted time to exercise and sleep, and have we reserved a portion of each day to study?

Have we been good to our family? What have we done to nurture our relationship with our spouses, parents, siblings, children, and other relatives to create lasting memories?

Have we been a friend to those in our virtual circle and to those in “real time?” Who have you supported in times of need, how have you increased the quality of the friendship beyond the small talk, making a conscious effort to decrease your gossip?

For those who devote their time to allow our lives to function smoothly, the mail carrier, our auto mechanic, our trash collectors – what have you done to create (as Buber notes) “I-Thou” rather than “I-It” relationships?

For those beyond our immediate circles, those we may not even know, how do you answer the question at night as you lie in bed – “What have I done to make the world a better place?”

The answers to these questions provide a road map for the true pursuit of justice, teshuvah, and peace. As we welcome the month of Elul, may we rededicate our sacred relationships with those around us and with God. By doing so, we have a real chance to increase our joy, as Proverbs reminds us: Simcha la’tzadik asot mishpat - “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous.”

Ken y’hi ratzon – May it be God’s will.