Parshas Mishpatim (Shekalim) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
ואלה המשפטים אשר תשים לפניהם ... (כא-א)
Parshas Mishpatim marks a significant transition in the Torah’s narrative. Following the awe-inspiring Kabbolas HaTorah at Har Sinai, the Torah pivots to a dense series of civil laws. We move from the thunder and lightning of the Ten Commandments to the granular details of damages and labor laws, and then back to the pronouncement of Naaseh V’nishma. It’s enough to make anyone dizzy! Why does the Torah interrupt the story of Matan Torah with the myriad halachos of Parshas Mishpatim?
One might say that the Torah is teaching us a fundamental principle: spirituality is not found only in the clouds, but in how we treat our fellow human beings on the ground. The mitzvos of bein adam lamakom commanded in this parsha are just as essential to Matan Torah. As mentioned, the parsha concludes with the Jews’ declaration of “Naaseh V’nishma” - we will do and we will hear (or understand). This phrase defines the Jewish approach to Divine service. By placing “doing” before “understanding,” the Torah suggests that commitment to ethical action and Divine law precedes intellectual comprehension. It is the mishpatim of the Torah which define our character and who we are, not the other way around.
Indeed, it is the Torah which is the only true path to tikkun hamidos. There are many people who study ethics and philosophy but are far from practicing what they learn and preach. It is only the koach haTorah invested in the mitzvos bein adam lachaveiro that has the power to change one’s essence. This is alluded to in the posuk "רק שבתו יתן ורפא ירפא". It is when one puts in the "שבת" - the sitting and learning Torah and applying its precepts into practice, that "ורפא ירפא" he may heal whatever spiritual malady and character defects he may have. In our modern lives, it is easy to separate our religious identity from our professional or social conduct. Parshas Mishpatim reminds us that they are one and the same. The laws of the marketplace and the laws of the Mikdash both originate from the same source. When we act with integrity in our business dealings and show compassion to those who need it, we are fulfilling the vision of Matan Torah. May we be zocheh to be so inspired.