B"H

Wednesday, Shevat 22, 5778 / February 7, 2018

This week’s Parsha is called, Mishpatim. The mitzvot in the Torah are generally divided into two categories, mitzvot between us and G-d (Shabbat, holidays, etc.) and those between one person and another (Do not steal, returning a lost object, etc.). The name of the Parsha, Mishpatim, implies that the mitzvot in this Parsha are mostly in the second category - between one person and another. 

For example, in this Parsha we are commanded about the laws of damages; respecting parents; litigation; dealings with the poor, the widow and the orphan ("You must not mistreat any widow or orphan"), giving charity and lending money to those in need.

In the Ten Commandments we also find these two categories. The first four commandments (belief in G-d, prohibition to worship idols, not to swear in vain, observing Shabbat) are between us and G-d.  The other mitzvot (honoring parents, not to commit murder, etc.) are between people.

In truth, even the mitzvot between individuals have an affect on our relationship with G-d, while the mitzvot between us and G-d also affect our fellow. Every good deed we perform enhances and strengthens our relationship with G-d and also benefits all of humanity.

One of the mitzvot in this Parsha is to help someone who is in financial need.  The Torah commands, "If/when you lend money to My people, to the poor person [who is] with you, do not act toward him as a demanding creditor.  Do not place the burden of interest upon him."

Although the Torah uses an expression which can be translated as "If you lend..." Our sages explain that this is one of three places in the Torah where the Hebrew word "Im" doesn't mean if but when. For giving a loan to one who is in need is a mitzvah and a commandment.

Q.Why does the Torah use an expression which can be translated if you will lend?

A.Some explain that the word if doesn’t apply to the giving of the loan. The Torah is saying, "If G-d blessed you with money and means, make sure that you lend and help the poor man with you." For the true purpose for which G-d gives us wealth is so that we shall be generous to others.

Another way of translating this verse is: If you want to make sure that your wealth is always yours, then use it to help others. For the sum of money which one uses to help the poor is the only possession which is truly theirs forever! The only possession which is guaranteed to be forever ours is the money we give to charity and to help others.

Our sages say, "When a person passes away from the world, it is not their silver, nor gold and not the precious stones which will go with them... Only the Torah and good deeds they performed during their lifetime will accompany them in the World-to-Come."  These possessions are everlasting.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY