Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Mishpatim – 2.12.2010

In this weeks parsha we begin the listing of commandments and details of the code that is the foundation of the Jewish people. And there are infinite issues that are covered that still have relevance today. In this week alone there are some of the very core of being Jewish today (holidays, Shabbat and the basic law of not eating milk with meat) as well as many of the social and behavioral laws such as lending money, personal damages and all sorts of social interactions and questions. This is where our Torah begins to lay out the details of the code that has been the core of our people’s identity for thousands of years. It is very exciting when you think about it.


But what has always inspired me is the Jewish people’s response to the call of heeding HaShem’s words. The people of Israel say “N’esay v’ N’ishma” or roughly translated “we will do then we will try to understand.” This formula is arguably the central operating formula of the Jewish people. Action and behavior is first and foremost. Belief without action is truly nothing. Judaism is a religion of (to quote Rabbi Goodman) “deed not creed.” And this difference is laid out in this amazing phrase.


But also it has a second part that is extremely important. Our commitment to HaShem not only requires us to “do” but also to “try to understand”. Understanding the underpinning of the commandments is also a part of the formula. But it does not require us to fully understand but only to “try”. This implies there is not a need to fully “know” but that does not relieve us from trying to understand. Perhaps it is from this concept that the rabbis have taught over the millennia that one of the questions asked in the afterlife is “did you make time to study and explore Torah?” which they always explained that the time and desire to try to learn was more impactful that fully understanding the Torah.

But we now have a powerful formula for success in Jewish life and being a light unto the nations; “Do” and “try to understand”. What is wonderful about our Torah is that in the same section where it begins to get “into the weeds” of commandments and codes it reminds us of the high level formula for our success as the chosen people. Let’s remember that it is our actions that define us, show the world our values and is where we learn.

We should do and try to understand. It is where we have been for thousands of years as a people and where we should always start every day.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshas Mishpatim Summary from Torah.org

The following Aliya summary will list the numerous laws detailed in Parshas Mishpatim.

A total of 53 Mitzvot are commanded. Relating to:

The Jewish slave, Jewish maidservant, manslaughter, murder, injuring a parent, kidnapping, cursing a parent. Killing of slaves, personal damages, injury to slaves, the killer ox, a hole in the ground, damage by goring, penalties for stealing. Damage by grazing, damage by fire, the unpaid custodian, the paid custodian, the borrowed article, seduction, occult practices, idolatry and oppression, lending money. Accepting authority, justice, strayed animals, the fallen animal. Justice, the Shmitah (7th) year, Shabbos, Pesach, Shavous, Succos, prohibition against milk and meat.

Hashem (G-d) instructed the nation to respect the authority of His messengers, the Prophets and Rabbis. He promised to chase out the seven nations who inhabited Canaan and forewarned us against making a treaty of peace with them, or being influenced by their practices and values.

Hashem stated the means by which the seven nations would be chased out of Israel, and promised that if we do as instructed no woman would miscarry. The borders of Eretz Yisroel (The Land of Israel) were defined. The conclusion of the Parsha returns to the aftermath of Revelation. Moshe built an altar, offered a sacrifice, and in 24:7 the nation proclaimed "we will first obey Hashem's commands and then attempt to understand". Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu, and the 70 elders have a shared vision in 24:10 and then Moshe is told to ascend Sinai where he would remain for 40 days and nights.