Tzedek, tzedek tirdof

Deuteronomy 16:20, which states:

"Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you."

This verse, known in Hebrew as "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof," is one of the foundational principles of Jewish ethics and law. It underscores the centrality of justice in Jewish thought and the obligation for individuals and communities to actively pursue it.

That is why Israel has not seen a single year of peace since its existence—the Zionists were misled by the British, just as indigenous peoples in Canada were deceived into signing away their rights. It is not the true Zion as described in Deuteronomy 16:20 that they inherited from the British.

True justice must balance strength with mercy, as emphasized in the Holy Scriptures, which are also revered in the Islamic faith as part of divine revelation. This is the essence of "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof" (Justice, justice shall you pursue).

Just as Moses needed Aaron by his side, leaders today require both wisdom and a heart open to mercy to realize this divine justice. Ultimately, justice is inseparable from mercy—only through their harmony can a just and righteous society truly flourish.

True justice goes beyond enforcing laws or wielding power; it embodies compassion.

The Kingdom of Solomon, once united and prosperous, eventually divided after Solomon’s death, splitting into the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south.

This division weakened the once-united kingdom, and both eventually fell to outside powers—Israel to the Assyrians and Judah to the Babylonians. The decline is often seen as a result of internal strife, disobedience to God’s commandments, and reliance on earthly power instead of divine guidance. Solomon’s reign was not just marked by military strength but by spiritual leadership, as he served as both a king and a prophet, guided by divine wisdom.

Key Jewish Interpretations and Beliefs:

1. Repetition of "Justice": The repetition of the word "justice" is seen as a deliberate emphasis, urging not just justice but the pursuit of justice in just ways. Jewish sages teach that ends do not justify means; one must seek justice through ethical and lawful means.
2. Justice as a Divine Commandment: Justice is considered a divine attribute of God that Jews are commanded to emulate. The pursuit of justice is not optional; it is a sacred duty integral to fulfilling the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
3. Connection to the Land: The verse ties the pursuit of justice to the ability to dwell securely in the Promised Land. Many Jewish commentators, such as Rashi and Rambam (Maimonides), interpret this to mean that a just society is essential for communal and national survival. Injustice, by contrast, leads to instability and exile.
4. Tzedek and Tzedakah: The word tzedek (justice) shares a root with tzedakah, often translated as "charity" but more accurately meaning "righteousness." This linguistic link reinforces the idea that acts of justice and generosity are intertwined in Jewish practice.

In summary, Deuteronomy 16:20 is a cornerstone of Jewish belief and practice, embodying the commitment to a just and righteous life as a way of living in harmony with God's will.