THE KYLE RITTENHOUSE VERDICT: A JEWISH RESPONSE

My heart hurts after hearing about the decision in the Kyle Rittenhouse. Although I was neither in the courtroom nor am I a legal specialist, it feels like justice was not truly served. And, it feels like just one more in a centuries-long history of a double standard in our legal system. While I am not a legal scholar, I do know something about Jewish texts. And I know that justice is a key concept in our tradition. It is our obligation to pursue justice as we read in Deuteronomy: “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

Our textual tradition has much to say about Judges and what makes a good one. Paramount is fairness – not showing favoritism to the wealthy or powerful. As we read in Leviticus, “You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your kinsman fairly.” (Leviticus 19:15). Later commentaries say the judges should not show political favoritism.

Jewish tradition teaches that it is all our responsibility to safeguard the Judicial system. Basically, we are in this together – unfairness in the judiciary falls on our shoulders. One 18th Century commentary states: “The commandment to ‘not pervert justice’ (Deuteronomy 16:19) is not only addressed to the judges but to all those who by failing to appoint the proper judiciary contribute to unfair judgments being handed down by unauthorized sources.” (Or HaChayim on Deut 16:19)

In Jewish tradition, an impartial fair judicial system is a foundational issue. We read in one 14th Century commentary; A fair “Through judges that judge between people does the world continue. Because were it not for law, the more powerful would conquer.” (Tur, Choshen Mishpat 1)

Today, we remember Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and think of their families. And, we think about and Gaige Grosskreutz, who was seriously injured by Kyle Rittenhouse. May their memories inspire us to work for true change and a system of fair justice in our country.