B"H

Friday, Shevat 26, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / February 17, 2023

This week’s Parsha, Mishpatim,is the first Parsha after the story of the Giving of the Torah. In this Parsha we find 53 of the 613 mitzvot.

The 613 mitzvot of the Torah are generally divided into two categories: 248 positive mitzvot - commandments which we are commanded to perform; and 365 prohibition mitzvot, which we are commanded not to do. All 613 mitzvot fall into three general categories: Eidut; Chukim; Mishpatim.

Eidutare mitzvot which serve as a testimony between us and G-d.  For example, resting on Shabbat is testimony that G-d rested on the seventh day.  Passover is testimony of the miracle of the Exodus etc.

Chukimare mitzvot which have no apparent logical reason.  Example: The laws of Kashrut; the prohibition of eating pork; or not to wear wool and linen in one garment (Shatnez) etc. We observe these mitzvot only because G-d commanded us to do them or refrain from doing them.

Mishpatimare mostly laws of civil justice, such as, do not steal etc. They affect our relationship between one person to another. They fall within the realm of logic and reason. In fact, many secular societies may contain similar laws.

The name of the Parsha, Mishpatim, tells us that most of the mitzvot in this Parsha are such which teach us responsibility towards our fellow human being.

Q.Why is Parshat Mishpatim, which deals with mitzvot between one person and another, immediately after Parshat Yitro where we read about the Giving of the Torah? It would make more sense that immediately after the Giving of the Torah, G-d would tell us about our responsibilities toward Him?

A.  We find the same thing in the Ten Commandments, where there is great emphasis on the mitzvot between man and man.  Our performance of these mitzvot is a good barometer of our relationship toward G-d.  One cannot separate the two, as Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa says, "If the spirit of one's fellow is pleased with him, the spirit of G-d is pleased with him; but if the spirit of one's fellow is not pleased with him the spirit of G-d is not pleased with him." 

For this reason, Parshat Mishpatim comes right after the Giving of the Torah, to teach us the importance of the mitzvot which emphasize proper conduct and love amongst ourselves.

Rabbi Yechezkel of Kuzmir would say, "The Jewish people are compared to a box full of glass dishes.  If the dishes are packed tightly, the box can be moved about and transported and none of the dishes will break.  But if the dishes are packed loosely, they bang into each other and will easily break. We too, have to be tightly connected with each other, it is our guarantee of survival.”

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:06 / Shabbat ends: 6:10