parsha bit: Shoftim
This week's parsha contains the directive "tzedek tzedek tirdof" -- "justice, justice you shall pursue". The rabbis ask why "tzedek" is repeated and give various explanations. Rabbi Ashi says that the first "tzedek" is the justice of following the law strictly, and the second is the justice of compromise. For example, when two ships seek to use the same narrow passage at the same time, they might have equal claims under the first tzedek but must compromise under the second (lest they both sink). Compromise is not merely pragmatic but commanded. (Sanhedrin 32b)