“On a deeper level, this notion reflects the belief that every action we take has an impact on the community…”
Parashat Ki Tetzeh contains a wide array of mitzvot, many of which emphasize the importance of personal responsibility within society. Its focus is on personal responsibility in different facets of life, toward family, community, and even strangers and these commandments govern a range of topics-civil, familial, and ethical laws. The common thread that runs through these laws is the idea that a just and ethical society can only thrive when individuals take responsibility for their actions and the welfare of others.
One powerful example is the commandment regarding returning lost property: “You shall not see your fellow’s ox or sheep straying and ignore them; you shall surely return them to your fellow” (Devarim/Deuteronomy 22:1-3). If someone finds their neighbor's lost animal or object, they are obligated to return it, even if it is inconvenient. This mitzvah teaches that personal responsibility is not just about avoiding harm but also actively contributing to the good of others and that we are responsible for the well-being.of others. Even when it’s inconvenient or costly, we are required to look out for the property and interests of our neighbors. This is not just a matter of kindness, but a societal obligation. It demands that we go beyond passive neutrality and take action to uphold righteousness and justice.
The principle of areivut (mutual responsibility) extends beyond returning lost objects. It includes paying workers on time, showing fairness in business, and ensuring the vulnerable members of society are protected. In Parashat Ki Tetzeh, we are instructed not to take advantage of a worker’s vulnerability, but rather to pay them promptly: “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy” (Devarim 24:14). This highlights the Torah’s concern with economic justice and personal accountability in upholding fairness.
Another relevant law is the prohibition against ignoring a fallen donkey that is struggling under its burden (Devarim 22:4). Even if the animal belongs to your enemy, the Torah teaches that we are obligated to assist. Here, personal responsibility extends even to situations where helping might not align with our emotions or convenience. The lesson is that building a just society requires transcending personal grievances and focusing on the greater good.
The Torah consistently emphasizes that individuals have a responsibility not only for their own actions but also for the well-being of others. This is a vision of society where the failure of one member to act justly, honestly, or compassionately harms the whole. A society based on personal responsibility ensures that everyone, from the poor to the wealthy, the worker to the employer, is taken care of and treated with dignity.
On a deeper level, this notion reflects the belief that every action we take has an impact on the community. If we ignore the needs of others, it weakens the moral fabric of society. But when we take responsibility for our fellow human beings, we create a society based on justice, kindness, and integrity.
In modern terms, these mitzvot reflect the idea that a responsible society is one where individuals do not shirk their duties, but instead are active participants in the moral fabric of their community. Every small act of responsibility, returning a lost item, helping someone in need, contributes to a society where trust, compassion, and justice prevail. We are reminded that no one can exist in isolation; each person's actions affect the collective.
This Torah portion challenges us to consider our own actions: How can we, in our daily lives, embody this principle of responsibility? How can we build a community where each person feels a sense of duty not just to themselves, but to others? Ultimately, Parashat Ki Tetzeh emphasizes that a just society starts with personal responsibility. Whether through returning lost objects, treating others with dignity, or even extending kindness to our enemies, each mitzvah is a call to recognize our role in the well-being of others. By adhering to these mitzvot, we build a world where everyone is cared for, and personal responsibility becomes the foundation for a more just and compassionate society.
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