Communities rarely fail because nobody cares. More often, they stumble because everyone assumes somebody else will take responsibility. That is as true of shuls and charities as it is of society at large. We are happy to applaud those who give their time and energy, but it is all too easy to become consumers rather than contributors.
The vision of the Torah in this week’s parshah challenges precisely that mindset. Much of it is devoted to the institutions of a just society – judges, courts, kings and the rule of law. Yet the famous command at its heart is directed not to judges or leaders, but to every Jew: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice shall you pursue.”,
The Torah could simply have instructed us to uphold justice. Instead, it chooses a far more demanding word. We are told to pursue it. Justice does not emerge on its own. It requires people prepared to invest time, energy and personal sacrifice.
The implications of this are far-reaching. Rashi, quoting the Midrash, explains that justice is worth going out of our way for. If necessary, we should travel to find the finest beit din, because getting it right matters more than doing what is convenient.
The Talmud offers a different perspective (Sanhedrin 32b). The repetition of the word tzedek teaches that justice is also about knowing when compromise will better serve peace. Sometimes, in order to achieve real justice, we require the wisdom needed to take a step back.
This also explains an important detail at the beginning of the parashah. Although appointing judges is a communal obligation, the Torah phrases the command in the singular: “Shoftim v’shotrim titen lecha – You shall appoint judges and officers.” It is as if the Torah is reminding us that a just society cannot be left to other people. Each of us has a stake in creating it.
The message here is clear. Capable leaders and sound institutions are vital – but they are never enough. Strong communities are built by people who see communal responsibility as something personal. That is why the pursuit of justice does not begin in the courtroom, but in the decision to stop waiting for somebody else and to ask instead: “What can I do to make a difference?”
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