Parashat Mishpatim

Parashat Mishpatim follows the giving of the Ten Commandments and lays out a wide range of civil, ethical, and social laws that form the foundation of Jewish society. The name Mishpatim means “laws”, reflecting the parashah’s focus on justice and moral responsibility. These laws cover various aspects of daily life, interpersonal relationships, and the legal system.

1. Laws of Servitude

  • The parashah begins with laws regarding Hebrew servants (Eved Ivri).
  • A Hebrew servant serves for six years and goes free in the seventh year.
  • If the servant wishes to remain, he undergoes a ceremony of ear-piercing, symbolizing his choice to stay in servitude.

2. Laws of Personal Injury and Property Damage

  • Laws regarding murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and injuries caused by violence.
  • Compensation for personal injuries and property damage is established.
  • The famous principle “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” is interpreted as monetary compensation rather than literal punishment.

3. Laws of Theft and Responsibility

  • Penalties for theft, including double restitution or repayment of four or five times the value for certain stolen animals.
  • Laws of guardianship: someone entrusted with another’s property must compensate for loss if they were negligent.

4. Social Justice and Ethical Behavior

  • Protection of orphans, widows, and converts.
  • Prohibition against taking interest on loans to the poor.
  • Laws against bribery and the importance of maintaining honest judgment.

5. Animal Welfare

  • Commandments to help an enemy’s donkey struggling under a heavy load.
  • Resting the land during the Shemita (Sabbatical) year.

6. Shabbat and Festivals

  • Reaffirmation of observing Shabbat.
  • Introduction of the three pilgrimage festivals:
    • Pesach (Passover)
    • Shavuot (Festival of Weeks)
    • Sukkot (Festival of Booths)

7. Covenant and Divine Protection

  • God promises to send an angel to guide the Israelites to the Promised Land if they obey His laws.
  • The Israelites pledge their commitment by saying:
    “Na'aseh v’nishma” – “We will do, and we will listen”, expressing their unconditional acceptance of the Torah.

8. The Covenant Ceremony

  • Moses builds an altar and offers sacrifices.
  • He sprinkles the blood of the covenant on the altar and on the people, sealing the covenant between God and Israel.
  • Moses ascends Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights to receive the stone tablets.

Key Themes:

  1. Justice and Compassion:

    • The Torah blends laws of justice with ethical sensitivity toward the vulnerable.

  2. Social Responsibility:

    • Caring for the poor, the stranger, and animals reflects the moral fabric of Jewish society.

  3. Free Will and Commitment:

    • The declaration “Na'aseh v’nishma” shows the importance of faithful obedience before full understanding.

  4. Balance of Law and Holiness:

    • The laws elevate daily life into sacred service to God.

Conclusion:

Parashat Mishpatim teaches that building a holy society depends on both spiritual commitment and ethical behavior. It emphasizes that the Torah’s vision of holiness includes how we treat others — especially the weak and vulnerable — making justice a cornerstone of Jewish life. This parashah reminds us that laws are not just legal codes, but a means of expressing God's divine values in the world.

Back to blog