Three of the most important words in the Torah appear in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shoftim. The words are: צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף – “Justice, justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). This powerful phrase also served as our Middat Hashavuah for the opening week of school.
Why does the Torah repeat the word צֶ֥דֶק – “tzedek” – “justice” – twice in this phrase? Wouldn’t it have been sufficient to say, “Tzedek tirdof” – “Justice you shall pursue”? Resh Lakish, a third-century rabbi, explained that the repetition is a reminder to be deliberate and careful in judgment, encouraging us to revisit and review decisions thoughtfully rather than rushing to conclusions. Similarly, Maimonides, in the eleventh century, taught that the repetition highlights the importance of consulting with others, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered before rendering a decision.
Others suggest that the repetition signifies that the pursuit of justice is not just the responsibility of officials and courts but of every individual. As fourth century Rabbi Hiyya taught, even if a person is not a scholar or teacher, nor meticulously observant, standing up against wrongdoing makes them a blessing to the community.
The Talmud offers another interpretation, suggesting the repetition teaches us the importance of just compromise. When two valid claims are in conflict, the just outcome is often one of compromise, reflected in the double call for justice.
Bakhya ben Asher, a twelfth-century commentator, further explained that the repetition emphasizes justice in all circumstances—whether for personal gain or loss, in speech or action, and whether dealing with Jews or non-Jews alike.
Our lives are filled with opportunities to act ethically and fairly—to give the benefit of the doubt, to stand up against injustice, and to seek equitable solutions. In every interaction, whether with loved ones or strangers, classmates or teachers, we can strive to bring more tzedek into the world.
As we embark on a new school year, with Rosh Hashanah approaching, let us all commit to this vital call to pursue justice in every aspect of our lives. Justice is, and always has been, a cornerstone of our educational vision at The Toronto Heschel School. I wish you all a sweet and healthy year, a year filled with learning and growing. May each of us give tzedakah, pursue tzedek, and aspire to become a tzaddik. Whether in private or public, through large actions or small, let us continue to choose the path of justice.
