Parashat Shoftim — Deuteronomy 16:20
This week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, contains the timeless command:
“Tzedek, tzedek tirdof — Justice, justice shall you pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20)
In the Torah, when a word appears twice in succession, we are taught to pay special attention. The doubling of the word “justice” reminds us just how central this teaching is: the pursuit of justice is not optional or peripheral — it is core to who we are and who we are called to become.
Shoftim is always read during the first week of Elul, the month of reflection, return, and preparation for the Days of Awe. Its placement reminds us that t’shuvah is not only about inner turning but also about outward action. True repentance requires us to align our lives not only with holiness, but also with justice.
For this illumination of Deuteronomy 16:20 in my new book, Illuminated Journey, I chose a world motif to visually communicate that the pursuit of justice is a global calling. Many people in the Jewish community identify as “social justice Jews,” and this parasha is one of the reasons why. To pursue justice is to participate in the repair of the world.
The pursuit of justice is not limited to courtrooms; we can be catalysts for justice in the way we listen, the way we speak — and speak out — and the way we choose to show up for one another. Personally, I like to encourage people to use their gifts — whether through art, music, teaching, caregiving, organizing, or any other talent — to help create a more inclusive and just society. When we pursue justice in the world, we participate in t’shuvah — the sacred turning that brings us closer to our true selves, to one another, and to God.
One of my favorite quotes about justice is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Several years ago Craig Taubman asked me to create a video of my lettering Dr. King’s words, which feels especially appropriate to share this week:
Illuminated Journey is at the Printer!
This was a momentous week for me– I finally sent my new book, Illuminated Journey, to press!
The 172-page book includes illuminations and prayers inspired by the 54 weekly Torah portions, as well as a section on Visual Midrash that features design variations, my creative process, and several of my illustrated prayers. Below is a spread from the Visual Midrash section focusing on this week’s parasha, and another from the Deuteronomy section with the illumination and prayer for Parashat Shoftim.
Turning
(A Prayer for Parashat Shoftim)
As we embark on a journey of t’shuvah,
may reflection, introspection, and soul-searching
lead us to discover our sacred purpose
and inspire us to set intentions
to make a difference in the world.
As we turn, return and repent,
may the cry for justice
spur us into action
and kindle a flame of hope
within each of our hearts.
As we seek connection
to the Source of All,
may we recognize that
we have missed the mark
time and time again,
and may this recognition
spark the soul growth
that enables us to
return to our true selves.
May this sacred, spiritual journey
light the way to a future
built upon equality and justice,
and abundant with hope and peace.
Journaling Questions
- The Torah doubles the word tzedek (justice) for emphasis. What values in your life are so important that they deserve to be “doubled”?
- What does a future “built upon equality and justice, and abundant with hope and peace” look like for you personally?
- How can your Elul reflections guide you toward living with greater integrity?
- Where in the world — near or far — do you feel most called to help pursue justice?
- What gifts do you have that you can use to help create a more inclusive and just society?
Closing Blessing
On this day,
may our souls cry out against
indifference, injustice, and inequality,
and may we be inspired
to pursue justice
and work towards building
a more equitable world.
On this day,
may we have the courage
to reflect and recount,
and do the introspection
required for Cheshbon haNefesh—
the Soul Accounting
that will enable us to turn,
return, and embrace who
we can become.
On this day,
may our hearts grow
in hope and compassion,
may we feel a connection
to community and each other,
and may everything we say and do
be a reflection of our best selves.