February 22, 2025 · כ"ד שבט תשפ״ה
Parashat Mishpatim · פרשת משפטים
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Parshat Mishpatim contains many laws that guide the way we should treat one another and live together in a community. The word "Mishpatim" means "laws," and these laws cover a wide range of topics. One of the first topics discussed is how to deal with personal injuries. For example, if someone accidentally hurts another person, they are required to pay for the damage. Another important topic in Mishpatim is the treatment of workers, particularly those who serve as servants or workers to pay back loans. The Torah commands that these workers must be treated kindly and fairly. After six years of service, they must be freed.
ONE BIG IDEA The first mitzvah given after Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) is Eved Ivri (the Jewish servant). It has many rules about how to treat the servant kindly. Maybe the message is that for us to be successful
Mishpatim also addresses issues related to property. It teaches that if you borrow something and break it, you are responsible for replacing it. This law encourages honesty and shows how we should care for other people’s belongings. It’s a reminder that we need to be trustworthy in all our dealings. The parsha further emphasizes the importance of justice in the courts. It instructs judges to be fair and impartial, ensuring that everyone is treated equally, no matter who they are. One interesting law in Mishpatim involves protecting the rights of the poor and vulnerable. For instance, if someone sees a neighbor’s lost animal, they are obligated to help return it. This law teaches us about compassion and the responsibility we have to help others in our community, especially those who may be struggling. Mishpatim also includes laws about chagim and special days. For example, it emphasizes the importance of keeping Shabbat, a day of rest, and dedicating time to our spiritual lives. It teaches us that while we have responsibilities, we also need to take time to rest and connect with Hashem. Parshat Mishpatim contains many laws that guide us in how to create a fair and loving community, about taking responsibility, treating others with kindness, being honest, and helping those in need. These lessons are not just rules; they are values that help us build a better world.
in Torah, we must first be a mensch. Derech eretz kadmah l’Torah: behaving well is a prerequisite to Torah. So before you learn any other mitzvot, learn this one.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 5:19pm Havdalah: 6:16pm allah: 5:25pm