JUSTICE

    Abraham Heschel wrote about the essence of man. He said, "Since every human being is made in the Image of 

G-D, it follows that if we are serving our fellow human beings, in a very real sense, we are serving Hashem as well."

   This is, indeed, a very important insight into our Judaic way of life. When we live a life resplendent with kindness and justice to our fellow man we are doing the mitzvah of carrying out the will of G-D.

   This thought is apropos as we study the opening verses of our Shabbat Sedrah, Parshat Shoftim. Herein, we read  צדק צדק תרדוף , "Justice justice shall you pursue." The question that immediately comes to mind is, "Why was it necessary for the Torah to repeat the word Justice?"

     Understandably, 'Justice' is defining, in a very emphatic way, the ethical challenge that man is faced with constantly to assure that in the pursuit of all our life's endeavors 'Justice' needs to be our hallmark. 

   The words of Rav Simcha Bunam, come to mind. He said, "In our pursuit of just and righteous ends, our means must also be just". 

  In addition, we will also learn that just as we want 'Justice' for ourselves, we must demand 'Justice' for others, even for those whom we may consider strangers to our way of life. Even more so, we are to be tolerant of others. We are not here to ride herd on other people. Respect for others, must be our hallmark, if humanity is going to survive.

     I once asked a nurse why she chose nursing as her profession, and her answer was,  "I wanted to serve  G-D." This was truly poignant answer, for as she serves mankind she is truly serving G-D.

    It is written, the love of people is at the same time a love of G-D. For when we love one, we necessarily love one's handiwork. 

    Especially during these days of introspection let us remember, 'The fate of mankind rests on individual responsibility, individual integrity, individual effort, individual courage and especially individual conscience.'

    שבת שלום