Reimagining Double Standards
Shalom Orzach
Senior Educator at The iCenter for Israel Education. Author of the recently published book, Telling Times.A weekly exploration of the Torah Portion in the context of its modern day echoes
Often the term “Double Standards” is perceived negatively, this week’s portion of Shoftim begs to differ. It provides striking examples of doubling down to ensure the highest of standards. Consider the opening bars that to a great extent set a theme. Shoftim v’shotrim, judges and law enforcement officials, perhaps the earliest example of the judiciary and the executive. Both of these (independent) standards ensure the understanding and implementation of the Law. They are obligated to do so through Tzedeck- righteous judgment. A verse later we encounter a further “double standard”, perhaps the most celebrated ; ?????? ?????? ?????????? , justice justice you shall persue. Why the double emphasis? We clearly would have understood the significance even with the use of this fundamental concept once not twice. Recognizing this intentional emphasis of the ideal Samson Raphael Hirsch, the 19th Century Bible commentator and leader of German Jewry explains the goal of justice is the sole and highest purpose of Israel both as a People and a Country.
The poetic nature of employing two identical words in this manner in this week’s portion, invites us to both differentiate and also integrate. (See for example 19:21 ???? ??????? ???????? ??????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ????? ???????? ???? ??????? ?????? ????????? Your eye shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. ) The capacity to see double so to speak also informs how we must strive to relate to one another. This concept is beautifully expressed through the captivating reading of the letters that make up the month Elul that we have just entered, ??? ????? ????? ?? (Shir HaShirim 6:3). I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine,” This month poignantly ushers the ultimate period of double standards - the obligation to pursue and enhance relationships both between people and God. Through these enriching relationships a compelling “double standard” of I and Thou will hopefully escort us into the New Year.