"Rabban Yocḥanan ben Zakkai’s students asked him: ‘For what reason was the Torah stricter with a ganav, thief than with a gazlan, robber?’” (Bava…
Mishpatim: Serving Man, Serving G-d
How does one come close to G-d? How can one hold on to great religious experiences as we go through the daily routine of life? This was the problem…
Mishpatim: Sequel to Sinai
It is common after a major event to have difficulty getting back into our daily routine. Whether it is a child's wedding, an exotic vacation or a…
Mishpatim: Free the Slaves
One of the revolutions that Judaism brought to the world was its attitude towards, and its treatment of, slaves. Whereas in the ancient world slaves…
Mishpatim: Divine Justice, Human Mercy
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot” (Shemot 21:24). Perhaps no Biblical verse has generated as…
Mishpatim: Talking Points
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". This popular aphorism reflects the notion that it is physical harm to…
Mishpatim: Say What You Mean
Modern man loves his freedom. No one is going to tell him how to act. This is why giving criticism, even when constructive, is so hard and usually…
Mishpatim: Follow the Leader
"Do not be a follower of the majority for bad, do not respond to a grievance by yielding to the majority to pervert [justice]" (Shemot 23:2…
Mishpatim: More Than Slavery
While there are various themes that run throughout Sefer Shemot, that of slavery is perhaps the central one. This notion is presented, with differing…
Mishpatim: It's Not Who You Know
Knowing the right people is, more often than not, the key to success in the modern world. We in North America refer to “connections”, but in Israel…