Shoftim

Parshat Shoftim - Deut. 16:20 - "Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live, and inherit the land which the Lord your God gives you."

R. Ashi said. "Justice, justice you shall pursue, the first (mention of justice) refers to a decision based on strict law, the second, to a compromise." (Sanhedrin 32b)

We experience and respond to ourselves, each other, and the broader world based on both the letter and the spirit of the law - from places of both gevurah (strength) and chesed (lovingkindness).  May we know when and how to use both responses as we pursue justice in our lives.

Shoftim - Justice within, justice without

Parsha Shoftim - Deut. Ch. 16:20. "Justice, justice, shall you pursue, that you may thrive . . . ."  

The repetition of the word "justice" can have many meanings, among them, justice in the world is nurtured and
enhanced by justice within.  Taking and allowing time to hear and reflect on our inner voices can improve the quality of our decision-making and interaction with the world.