In this week’s parsha, Parashat Shoftim, we learn about the establishment of  judges and the commandment to have a just society. In this parsha the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river nearly arriving in the promised land. When Moshe commands the Israelites to appoint judges so that they can lead the society justly, the famous passuk of “justice, justice you shall pursue” is said. In Parshat Shoftim we learn about 5 kinds of justice: rules of worship, appointing of kings, cities of refuge, witnesses and rules of welfare. Specifically, the concept of cities of refuge instructs us that six cities be set aside as places where someone who unintentionally kills another person can flee and find safety and refuge. The purpose of these cities is to protect the accidental killer from revenge by the victim’s family, to avoid further bloodshed.

On the surface, this law seems to only address the aftermath of an accidental death, but not the cause of the death itself. Why doesn’t the Torah aim to prevent these accidents in the first place? Why only set up a system to deal with the consequences?

Rabbi David Forham offers an insightful explanation. While accidents are often unavoidable, how we respond to them is within our control. Providing refuge and protection to the accidental murderer demonstrates the highest values of kindness, justice and mindfulness. 

Though the accidental murderer did not take enough precautions, our society steps in to offer the protection and foresight that the killer lacked. This helps the killer learn to be more considerate of others' safety. It builds a society focused on safeguarding the vulnerable. And it increases our collective awareness and sensitivity, values that prevent future accidents. 

The Torah is keenly concerned with avoiding loss of life. But the solution begins with how we react to mishaps, not just with trying to prevent them. As Rabbi Forhman teaches, taking responsibility for what is within our power is ultimately more impactful than obsessing over what is not. Essentially, changing the things that we control is the first step to personal growth. By focusing on our own actions and decisions, we set the stage for a more productive outlook on not only our life but those around us. The cities of refuge teach us to focus on changing the things within our control thereby building a society of mindfulness, justice and protection of life. 

Just as the Torah charges society with the duty to provide refuge, as students we too must strive to create a supportive, redemptive environment in our school. This means that when we see fellow students struggling and making wrong choices, our duty is not to isolate them further or to punish them harshly. Rather we should reach out with empathy, mentorship and guidance, helping them get back on the right path. Our focus should be on creating a network of support that shows our values and care for the individual. This, according to the Torah, will do more to prevent further negative behavior than harsh action against the person who made some poor choices. Parashat Shoftim has ultimately defined us as a nation. In the face of a critical need to implement justice this parsha warns us that we should not wait to enact justice after the fact but rather we must act proactively and create a society of justice and care.

Shabbat Shalom

Alex, Grade 12