The Vision* Still Awaits Our Mission’s Response

Jul 13, 2026, 4:58 AM

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Righteousness Based On Justice

(Reflection on the Haftorah for the Torah Portion of Devarim (first part of Deuteronomy)

(Isaiah 1:1-27)

The vision of a promised future waits

For righteousness based on justice for all:

The orphan, the widow and the stranger,

Not empty ritual, when not accompanied

By integral, intrinsic, whole person care.

One’s life is based on the lot of those in our midst.

Who is in our midst? All who live within our reach.

Thus, “justice, justice, you shall pursue”!

Why the repetition, for emphasis,

To ensure preoccupation in thought, word, deed,

Withdraws unaccompanied empty ritual

That means nothing without living its values.

The bestowed mission brings realization

Of the future promised, if put into practice.

*Chazon – vision

See related Parsha post

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/justice-justice-you-shall-pursue-2/

About the Author

Michel M.J. Shore is a retired judge of the Federal Court of Canada and recently made a home in Israel. He is the writer of several published books and poetry collections.