Frequently, I am asked to describe the work of AJFCA member agencies.  One response is to list the types of services: counseling, case management, prevention education, home care, adoption, and many more. Another response recognizes the varying populations we serve: older adults, adults, children, persons with disabilities, and on and on. Although descriptive on the surface, and overwhelming in the vastness and comprehensive nature of the reach of our members, this only begins to explain the impact of the work we all do. I believe as a network we touch everyone in our communities by seeking to provide equal access to economic and social rights and opportunities, the core of a just society.

This week's parashah, Shoftim, focuses on the theme of justice. Shoftim means "judges," and the Torah reading addresses the appointment of judges and gives them some rules of operation. But, the language of Shoftim makes it clear that the pursuit of justice is not just a task for the judges. The famous words, "Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you," (16:20) appear in the opening lines of the parashah. This language is directed to everyone who will be entering the Land of Israel, which means all of the people. It is a communal and individual responsibility to safeguard our basic values and act justly to others. If we truly have a just society, it is not just for some, but for all. And the repetition of the word "justice" suggests that this pursuit of justice is meant to be active - in places where justice is absent, we must all work to secure it.

Social justice drives the work of our Jewish human service agencies each day, all day. It is core to our existence and it is reflected in the way in which we connect with the individuals and families we serve. And, it is our way to ensure that our communities and the larger society are made better by lifting up even those in greatest need.

Shabbat Shalom.