Driving along the back roads of Idaho can at times be challenging. I recently found myself on a windy dirt road with little room for error. Suddenly, a car appeared from the opposite direction and we both came to a sudden halt. After a quick stare-down, I realized that there was only room for one car at a time and one of us would have to budge. So I reversed and went slightly off road to allow the other car to pass.
Who had the right of way I mused?
Sometimes, life is not so crystal clear. The moral choices with which we are faced can be murky at times. Without a strong moral compass, we can wander endlessly. But even with a solid guide we can be stuck, frozen in a moment of indecision.
This week’s Torah portion of Shoftim tells the famous words, “Justice, justice shall you pursue.”
Much ink has been spilled on explaining the double expression of justice. One Chassidic interpretation by the famed Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa caught my attention. He interprets the verse as follows:
At times we are compelled to pursue justice at all costs. We may even ultimately justify using unjust means for a just end. This he explained is the warning of the Torah: We must always remember to utilize justice even in the endeavor of implementing justice.
Just because I am right does not mean that I can use any and all methods to achieve my goal.
When on a mission for justice, utilize justice to get there.