Shoftim

Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof — Justice, Justice, You Shall Purse

By DANIEL SEPTIMUS

This Torah text inspires Jews to pursue social justice as it describes laws that facilitate ethical society and protect its citizens from the abuse of violence and power.

A Home of Our Own: From Soweto to the Suburbs

By RABBI PHIL MILLER

The beauty and comfort of your home must compel you to go out into the world and see to it that all of its residents have residences, Micah teaches.

The Newly Liberated Israelites Were Commanded to Live in a Just, Holy Society

By BRENT CHAIM SPODEK

In Parashat Shoftim, there are three major developments which work to mitigate the sense of complacent self-indulgence the Israelites might have felt upon reaching the Promised Land. The Land of Israel was not a reward, but rather a proving ground. Once we were ourselves victims, but we should not now become perpetrators.