TZEDEK, TZEDEK TIRDOF – JUSTICE JUSTICE YOU SHALL PURSUE

בס”ד

A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT SHOFTIM 5786

Deuteronomy 16:20

“Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may live and inherit the land that the Eternal, your G-d, gives you.”
(Deuteronomy 16:20)

Justice Begins with a Righteous Legal System

For Noahides, this verse contains an important lesson. The word tzedek – justice or righteousness – is repeated twice in this verse. Through this repetition, the Torah emphasizes that justice is not merely one aspect of life, but a fundamental obligation for every person and every society.

Rashi explains the repetition of tzedek with the words: “Seek out a reliable court” (Rashi on Deuteronomy 16:20). The Torah emphasizes that justice begins with a legal system built upon trustworthy and upright judges. It is not only the existence of courts that matters, but especially the people who carry responsibility within them. Judges must rule honestly, impartially, and justly, because the quality of a legal system depends upon the moral integrity of those who apply it.(See Deuteronomium 1:17)

The Sifrei, quoted by Rashi, also connects this verse with the appointment of righteous judges. The Sifrei teaches that the merit of righteous judges sustains Israel and enables the land to endure (Rashi on Deuteronomy 16:20; Sifrei Devarim 144:15). Just justice is therefore not only a practical necessity for society, but also has a deeper moral and spiritual significance. Where there are righteous judges, society can rely on order, stability, and fairness.

The Noahide Responsibility for Justice

For Noahides, this has special significance because one of the Seven Noahide Laws is the establishment of a just legal system (dinim). A society cannot exist without laws and justice, but laws alone are not sufficient. There must also be judges, prosecutors, and leaders who themselves live according to the standards of justice.

When those responsible for administering justice lose their own moral compass and integrity, trust in the legal system is weakened, and the entire society suffers as a result. Integrity is therefore the foundation upon which a just legal system rests: the system is only as strong as the integrity of the people who uphold it.

The Torah’s command to appoint righteous judges therefore remains just as relevant today as it was in the time of Moses. Judges are human beings and may face political pressure, personal convictions, or human limitations. A legal system is truly just only when those who apply it remain constantly aware of their responsibility toward truth and justice.

In our own time, there are also discussions about the extent to which national and international legal institutions always function with complete independence and impartiality. These discussions remind us of the Torah’s timeless message: justice requires not only laws and institutions, but also people of integrity who apply them fairly.

Justice in Daily Life

However, most people fortunately do not frequently appear before a judge or court. What can they learn from this verse?

Ibn Ezra explains that the repetition of tzedek teaches that one must pursue justice regardless of whether it is to one’s own advantage or disadvantage (Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 16:20). Justice therefore means not only acting honestly when it is easy or beneficial, but especially doing what is right when it requires personal sacrifice.

This lesson applies to every person in daily life. We are constantly faced with choices in which we can act honestly or dishonestly, sincerely or insincerely. Sometimes these choices involve major decisions, but often they concern small moments when no one else is watching.

Justice in Speech and Action

Rabbeinu Bachya gives a practical explanation of the double expression “tzedek, tzedek.” According to him, the Torah teaches that we must be just both in our words and in our actions (Rabbeinu Bahya on Devarim 16:20:1). Justice should therefore not be limited to the courtroom; it must be visible in the way we speak and act toward other people.

A practical example of just speech is when someone makes a mistake. It is easy to criticize someone behind their back or to make them look foolish. Tzedek, however, requires us to speak honestly and carefully. Instead of speaking negatively about the person, one chooses to address the matter directly and respectfully and to help that person improve.

An example of just action is when someone finds something that another person has lost. One could choose to keep it because nobody sees what happened. But justice means returning it to its owner, even when there is no personal benefit in doing so. The right choice is not determined by what one gains, but by what is morally correct.

The Pursuit of Justice as a Universal Mission

The idea that the repetition of the word tzedek emphasizes the central importance of justice is also noted in The Torah: A Women’s Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:20. The double mention highlights how essential the continual pursuit of justice is for the wellbeing of society.

For Noahides, this is a particularly important message today. Although there is no universal Noahide legal system, every Noahide can put the command of tzedek into practice each day. By speaking truthfully, acting justly, and pursuing integrity, every person contributes to building a more righteous society.

The words “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” – “Justice, justice you shall pursue” are therefore not only a command directed toward judges and leaders, but toward every human being. Justice begins in the courtroom, but ultimately it must become visible throughout the whole of life.

Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback