Parashat Shoftim contains laws governing judges, kings, Kohanim, prophets, and the Jewish nation in times of war. Among its central teachings is one of the Torah’s most enduring commands: “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Devarim 16:20).
The Torah does not merely command courts to reach just decisions. It demands integrity from judges and from those who come before them: “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show favoritism, and you shall not take a bribe, for bribery blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts just words.”
A judge must approach every case without favoritism or personal interest. But the responsibility does not rest with the judge alone. The person seeking judgment must also pursue truth rather than simply search for someone who will agree with him.
The Talmud explains the words “Justice, justice shall you pursue” as an instruction to seek out the greatest Torah authorities available. It lists the leading Sages of different generations and the places where they could be found. The message applies in every generation: When a serious Torah question arises, we should seek guidance from those best qualified to answer it.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa offered another explanation. Why does the Torah repeat the word “justice”?
Because justice itself must be pursued justly.
A worthy goal does not make an improper method acceptable. One cannot commit a wrong in order to accomplish something good. The means must be as proper as the end.
This principle also explains the extraordinary authority given to the Sanhedrin. When uncertainty arose in a local beit din, the matter could be brought to Yerushalayim. The Torah commands: “According to the law they instruct you and according to the judgment they say to you, you shall do; you shall not divert from the word they tell you, either right or left” (Devarim 17:11).
The Rambam explains that the Great Sanhedrin stood at the center of the Oral Torah. Its judges preserved traditions received from earlier generations, applied the Torah’s principles of interpretation, and enacted necessary laws and safeguards.
There is an important lesson here. Torah justice is not simply a question of knowing rules. It requires wisdom, honesty, humility, and the willingness to place truth above personal interest.
That is why the Torah does not say merely to practice justice. It tells us to pursue it.
Truth sometimes requires effort. We may have to seek out someone wiser than ourselves. We may have to hear an answer we did not expect—or one we did not want. We may even have to admit that our original position was mistaken.
The Torah asks something greater than winning an argument. It asks us to want what is right.
“Justice, justice shall you pursue” is therefore not only an instruction to judges. It is a standard for every Jew: pursue truth honestly, seek proper guidance, and never allow the desired result to justify an improper path.
Parashat Shoftim is sponsored by Aaron & Natalie Iskhakov
Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, zt”l, dedicated his life to teaching Torah, and his impactful writings continue to inspire Jews worldwide. Copyright 2023 by The LaMaalot Foundation. Conversations on the Torah is catalogued at The Library of Congress. All rights reserved. www.LaMaalot.org
Parashat Shoftim - Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue
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