Parashat Shoftim 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

One of the original ideas of why we feel a responsibility for our fellow persons is based on a verse from this week’s Torah Reading, Parashat Shoftim, “Justice, Justice you shall pursue” Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof (Deuteronomy 16:20). This is a perfect companion verse to our Torah Fund theme this year – Kol Yisrael Arevim zeh ba’zeh – “All of Israel is responsible for one another.” We should take every opportunity to live each day by upholding both these verses hand in hand – pursuing peace to help our fellow person; it is our responsibility to do so.