“The Most Famous Verse,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings

August 29, 2025 | 5 Elul 5785

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection, as we make our way toward Shabbat. You can also listen to it as a podcast.

Justice, Justice, you shall pursue-Tzedek, tzedek tirdof. צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף (Deut. 16:20)

We know this verse. We’ve heard, seen it, studied it, and acted on it. We need it. Our leaders really need it.

Often, the double word focus-Justice, Justice-captures our attention, but I keep focusing on the verb and its form: You (singular) shall (future tense) pursue. Each of us owns the responsibility, not just now but also in the future, always. It makes me ask, however, does ‘pursue’ mean that we could ever attain it?

Will it continually be just beyond our reach?

Where is the justice in the 44th school shooting on the first day of classes?

Where is the righteousness in the death of children in war?

Justice is built upon values of lovingkindness, of taking care of the vulnerable, of deeds of compassion. If we concern ourselves with feeding the hungry, why is there starvation? If we emphasize freeing the captive, how can there continue to be hostages held by Hamas in Gaza? If we value life and blessing, how can the perpetuation of war ever lead us there?

I am not naïve. I know that we don’t always have all the information, yet we do have some of it with or without the media’s particular focus on this cause or that perspective.

Justice, Justice you shall pursue raises the expectation that justice is possible even when it feels as if it is a distant goal. We must continue to try! The Torah’s famous verse reminds us not to be discouraged or turn away. It summons us to lean in and pay attention and to hold the leaders of our own country and Israel to the highest standard that justice demands.

As we enter into the season of renewal and soul searching, may it be a time that our leaders also consider and enact the values of justice as foundational behavior for their leadership. May we find inspiration for it in our lives as well.

Shabbat Shalom

שבת שלום

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions. Share with me what you think. Your email goes directly to me!

Rabbi Elaine Zecher

We begin our Congregational Read studying The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel. Together at Qabbalat Shabbat, we will study some of the passages to discover a deeper meaning in the experience of Shabbat. Those online can access the study texts here.