From The Rabbi’s Study… Shabbat, August 29, 30, 2025/5, 6, Elul 5785
The Torah continues with Shoftim/Judges: The government, judiciary system, the king, Priests and Levites. Then the false prophets, criminal law, laws of warfare, and laws pertaining to unsolved murders.
Judaic Concepts and Values: Prohibition of wastefulness, doing justice, and all share in society’s guilt.
Mitzvot: Encroaching on the property of another, and you shall offer peace to it.
The month of Elul is the last month of the Jewish calendar and before Tishrei, which starts the Jewish New Year, so Deuteronomy/the repetition of the Second Law continues to remind the Jewish people of the Torah Laws, ethics, and guidelines to live by. This Torah phrase points to actions of doing justly in (Deuteronomy 16:20) which states, “Justice, justice, you shall pursue.” This phrase is a guiding principle in Judaism, which is interpreted to mean that each person should pursue actions of just and righteous behavior, the means to the end must also be just.
When we recite the prayers on Yom Kippur there is a special one that starts with Viddui/Confession, which includes Ashmnu/we have trespassed or we are guilty, and Al Chet/we have missed the mark. If we look closer into this prayer, we realize the prayer is in the Hebrew plural tense. “We” is chanted so that no one may know who transgressed or who did actions that lead to their guiltful ways. When the Jewish people are reciting this prayer, they gently beat their chests as the long list of transgressions are chanted. If each of us look into the year that ended, any of us may have spoken poorly to someone or G-d, done actions unbefitting, or had evil intentions, and this special prayer asks that WE be forgiven by G-d and the people WE wronged.
Today, we witness such unusual diverseness and hate toward individuals that are from different faiths, nationalities, and political sides, which causes anger, violence, and wars. During our High Holidays we pray for so many things to change and become better. Many people have become focused on the materialistic world, rather than focusing their intentions on caring and loving one’s family members or neighbors.
May we focus on Tzedakha/righteousness, Teshuvah/to repent or to return again on the paths of goodness and avoid those evil intentions, and Tikkun Olam/to help repair the world.
Today, we see Israel at war with a terrorist organization, Hamas, and the suffering of our hostages, IDF fighting, and civilians in danger. Many people have died, and yet, the Israelis move civilians out of the fighting areas into safe zones with shelter, food, and medical supplies. No other nation takes such lengths to protect human lives. Our Jewish people throughout the world must stand strong with Israel. This Shabbat will mark the 693 and 694 days since the horrific attack of October 7th, 2023, and our hostages are being held.
Through our righteous actions “Seek Peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14), the Torah does not obligate us to pursue the mitzvot, but only to fulfill them at the proper time, at the appropriate occasion. Peace, however, must be sought at all times; at home and away from home we are obligated to seek peace and pursue it (Numbers Rabbah 19:27).
Let us pray this Shabbat that in the new year we see a day when war will cease.
“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nations shall not lift up swords against nations, nor shall they experience war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:3-4)
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
