I recently had the distinct honor of sitting down at the UJCVP with Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew and fifteen members of his command team, representing the various precincts and departments in the city, along with leadership from our Jewish community. I was struck by how sincerely concerned their team was for our safety concerns and their eagerness to support our security efforts.  It was a productive conversation of strategy and partnership, resulting in additional ways that we can better support one another. 

While their words were comforting, their actions speak louder. Over the summer, we were able to partner with the Newport News Police Department on a grant towards bolstering our security infrastructure by fencing the perimeter of our campus. This would not have been possible without our close relationship with the police department. 

This Shabbat we read in the Torah about building a just and moral society. The portion opens with the command to “appoint shoftim (judges) and shotrim for yourself in all your communities.” But what exactly is a shotrim? The medieval French commentator Rashi translates shotrim as police officers and today in Israel modern Hebrew follows his understanding. But which laws exactly are the officers meant to enforce? 

In the entire Torah there is only one description of the type of work these officers are meant to do. When discussing the act of going to war, there is a process that must happen before going out to battle. The shotrim go out and start asking people questions. Have you built a new house and haven’t lived in it yet? Yes? Go home. Have you planted a vineyard, but not yet enjoyed its fruits? Go home. Are you betrothed and waiting to get married? Go home.  Even if you were merely scared the officers would send you home. 

We know that a police officer’s job is to enforce the law and maintain order by holding people accountable. So why are they letting them off the hook? The Torah is creating a law enforcement system that respects the personal concerns and dignity of every person. A system that wants us to experience the personal joys and important milestones of our lives.   The Torah is teaching us that yes, we must care about our mission, but we must care about the people too. 

We are reminded this Shabbat that a police officer’s role is not only to enforce the laws, but also to respect and care about the people. We are blessed that our police take this motto to heart. And as we approach the High Holidays and are sure to be comforted by their presence, let’s remember to share our gratitude directly with them. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Eric Maurer
Executive Director 
emaurer@ujcvp.org