Vayyera: Compassion and Justice Unite

Parshat Vayyera:  Gen. Ch. 22.  The Akedah, the binding of Issac, tests the faith of Abraham, the devotion of Isaac, and the compassion of God.  In the first part of the narrative, God is referred to as Elohim, the God of Justice, five times.  In the later part, God is referred to as Adonai, the God of Compassion, five times.  At the conclusion of Ne’ilah, we say Adonai Hu HaElohim seven times.  The God of Compassion and Justice are One. 

May we be like Abraham, rising to the challenge, by being faithful but sensitive and responsive to the compassion within us.  And may we be like Isaac, devoted, yet receiving the blessings of a just and compassionate God.

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.