Torah Study > Chapter 3: Mishpat vs. Tzedek > Text 1
Why, of all the concepts and sentiments and values that could claim a
place in this pledge of Jewish commitment, do you think our tradition
places the concept of “justice” at the center?
What is the common thread among the five characteristics listed?
Why do you think they were chosen? Are there others that you would
add if you were rewriting the text?
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Many Jews recite this passage daily. What could be the impact of
saying these words every morning?
Do you have anything that you say daily or as part of a routine? What is it? Why do you say it so often, so regularly? What does it do for you? If the recitation is said by others at the same time, how does that affect the group?
Participants can imagine the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national
anthem before ball games, a team cheer or chant, an honor pledge before
a test, ha-motzi (the blessing before eating bread) and the like. Explore
with them the impact of saying something by rote in a prescribed moment.
What impact might such an affirmation have on a person when regularly
recited? While participants’ answers will vary, you may want to tease
out the idea that this type of ritual can serve as a behavioral compass,
reminding individuals of the core values which they would like their lives to
represent. Regular affirmation of an idea is likely to have that idea become
part of a person’s internal belief structure. Whereas individuals may agree
with a statement on an intellectual level, the idea takes on deeper signnificance
if it is regularly expressed, especially if done in a public forum.
Be prepared for a student to offer the legitimate challenge that making
something “routine” or reciting something by rote actually strips it of meaniing.
You may choose to address this type of response by probing further,
exploring how routine actions and deep intentionality can coexist.
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