Mishpatim

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Mishpatim resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

Mishpatim: Sequel to Sinai

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 summer at camp, rarely do we feel ready to return to our daily schedule—something we all…
Article
Feb 12, 2021

Parshat Mishpatim

Rabbi Eitan Aviner

Audio
Feb 12, 2021

Maamad Har Sinai in Parshat Mishpatim

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Audio
May 18, 2020

e-TiM: Understanding 'Standing at Sinai'

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Monday, May 11    11:00am-12:00pm ESTMaamad Har Sinai in Parshat Yitro  Monday, May 18    11:00am-12:00pm ESTMaamad Har Sinai in Parshat Mishpatim  Monday, May 25    11:00am-12:00pm ESTMaamad Har Sinai in Parshat Ve'etchanan
Program
May 4, 2020

Mishpatim: Free the Slaves

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 were considered to be no more than chattel, Judaism taught that slaves are to be accorded the same…
Article
Feb 20, 2020

Mishpatim: Divine Justice, Human Mercy

Rabbi Jay Kelman

"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 much controversy regarding its true meaning. As is well known, traditional Jewish exegesis has…
Article
Feb 1, 2019

Mishpatim: Talking Points

Rabbi Jay Kelman

"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 others that is most dangerous. As we all know this is a simplistic and ultimately dangerous notion…
Article
Feb 5, 2016

Mishpatim: Say What You Mean

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 ineffective. It is no coincidence that the obligation to rebuke a person committing a wrong is…
Article
Feb 24, 2015

Mishpatim: Follow the Leader

Rabbi Jay Kelman

"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). In the next verse we read "Do not favour the poor". Today's world so often supports…
Article
Jan 24, 2014

Mishpatim: More Than Slavery

Rabbi Jay Kelman

While there are various themes that run throughout Sefer Shemot, that of slavery is perhaps the central one. This notion is presented, with differing foci, throughout the book and actually carries over to the remaining books of the Chumash. Sefer…
Article
Feb 17, 2012