צדק צדק תרדף Justice, justice you shall pursue -Deuteronomy 16:20
I was honored to be one of the panelists at the Village of Hoffman Estates, town hall meeting Forward Together on July 9, 2020. This event, hosted by Mayor William Mcleod and moderated by Reverend Larry Bullock, included topics of justice in policing, racial concerns, diversity and inclusion, as well as the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in Hoffman Estates.
I am pleased that Beth Tikvah Congregation is part of ongoing conversations and initiatives to help improve the lives of all that live in our village. The following are the words I shared at the virtual town hall meeting:
Thank you to Mayor McLeod and the Village Board for the courage and vision to host this Town Hall meeting Forward Together. Thank you to my friend Reverend Bullock for moderating. As the Rabbi of Beth Tikvah Congregation I am honored to be included in this important conversation as a panelist this evening.
I want to say a word about justice, and the significance of justice in our times and in our lives. The Torah commands: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof. Justice, justice you shall pursue.
The Hebrew word for justice is tzedek. It is doubly emphasized because it is so critical to the well-being of society and interpersonal relations. Tzedek-justice means treating people fairly, equitably, with dignity and respect because every single human being was created in the Divine image.
We read the word TZEDEK twice because the first mention of JUSTICE is directed to the heart of each individual. Each and every one of us is to take notice, understand and help alleviate the injustice in our midst. JUSTICE is mentioned a second time because justice is the responsibility of the entire community. Justice is to be actively pursued under ALL circumstances. We all need more justice, more compassion, empathy and love in our community to help us through the current challenges we face.
As we go Forward Together in our sacred pursuit of JUSTICE FOR ALL, may our relationships with one another enhance both the quality of our own lives and our neighbors throughout our village.
Tzedek, tzedek tirdof. Justice, justice YOU shall pursue. Justice, justice shall WE ALL pursue. Amen. ---------------------------- May you be blessed with a week of peace. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Taron Tachman rabbi@beth-tikvah.org
