Thursday, Shevat 29, 5784 / February 8, 2024

This week’s Parsha, Mishpatim, includes mitzvot which deal between man and G-d and mitzvot between one individual and the other. 

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.

We find these two categories also in the Ten Commandments.  The first four commandments; belief in G-d, prohibition to worship idols, not to swear falsely and 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 has an effect on our relationship with G-d, while the mitzvot between us and G-d also affects others.  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 "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, which we are required to do.

Q.Why does the Torah use an expression which can be translated as "if" when one is required to help another person?

A.Rabbi Shabsi Kohen explains that the word, “if” doesn’t apply to the giving of the loan. The Torah says, "If G-d blessed you with money and means, make sure that you lend and help the poor man."  One should know that the true purpose that G-d gave you wealth is that one should help 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!"  The only possession which is guaranteed to be ours forever 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... for only the good deeds they performed during their lifetime accompany them in the World-to-Come."  These possessions are everlasting.

MAY WE ALL STAY UNITED IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL. MAY G-D HAVE MERCY UPON THEM AND HAVE THEM RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY NOW.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY