Parashat Mishpatim Often, as a result of the many details contained within this weeks parasha, we can get a bit lost and not really grasp its themes on a macro level. For instance, the parasha is not the beginning of this dialogue between Hashem and Moshe. This conversation in fact began at the maftir of last weeks parasha. The obvious question is: why then did Chazal split it this way? Another point that is easily missed is that of the inclusion of Shabbat, Shmita and the Chagim. Out of 86 pesukim in this weeks parasha devoted to mitzvot, 76 of them are between Man and Man. Why then, at the end of this long list, are these three particular mitzvot between Man and Hashem mentioned? It is important to remember that all the mitzvot mentioned in this weeks parasha are part of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people as set up at Maamad Har Sinai. That means that when a Jew keeps mitzvot that are between himself and his fellow, he is not only building a positive relationship with those around him, but is also building his relationship with Hashem. Maamad Har Sinai was not simply a place where we received many mitzvot, but rather, the beginning of a dynamic relationship with Hashem. Rashi writes on this exact point in his opening comment on this weeks parasha. He explains that the term veayleh, and these, comes to add on to what has already been mentioned. Just as the mitzvot of last weeks parasha were given at Sinai, so were these. Maybe this is why Chazal split the Parshiot the way they did, to contrast and thereby to connect these two kinds of mitzvot. The first BarTenura on Pirkey Avot takes this concept one step further. There he explains that even things that are not classed as mitzvot, rather simply positive ways of interacting with society, were also given at Sinai along with all the other mitzvot. All these modes of conduct are not simply there to solve disputes between members of society; they are there as part of the relationship between us and Hashem. That is why they are called mitzvot, from the word tziva, meaning commanded; they are not simply good deeds but commandments from Hashem. So in a sense every mitzvah that is between Man and Man is also between Man and G-d. Generally, when any particular mitzvah is mentioned more than once in the Torah, the question must be asked: why the repetition? Clearly each mentioning of the mitzva must add a different dimension to this specific mitzvah. Shmita, Shabbat and the Chagim, as well as being mentioned in this weeks parasha, are also mentioned in other places in Torah, so the question is: what is the dimension that is being stressed here? The Ibn Ezra addresses this question in his commentary. There (Shemot 23;11-12) he explains that both Shmita and Shabbat are mentioned here in terms of the Man to Man aspect that exist within these mitzvot. He explains that Shmita is mentioned here in terms of helping the poor. This is because, during the Shmita year, anything that grows is considered ownerless. This puts everyone, even the poorest of society, on an equal footing in terms of their income for that year. The Ibn Ezra repeats a similar idea concerning Shabbat. One aspect of Shabbat is that it exists to protect your servants and employees. The fact that we are forbidden to work on one day a week, is not only for us, but also for all those in our household. Finally, the Rambam explains the societal aspect of Chagim. (Hilchot Yom Tov 6;18). He explains that we are supposed to enjoy the Chagim with our own family. But part of the mitzvah of being happy on the Yamim Tovim is to give to the poor, and were one to ignore that call, he would not be fulfilling the mitzva of Simchat Yom Tov; he would simply be considered as doing the mitzva for himself. At least from the sources that have just been stated, something interesting emerges. Contained within the mitzvot between Man and Hashem mentioned in this weeks parasha, there exists a dimension of caring for others, especially those on the lower end of society. All of the mitzvot mentioned are part of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people (see Shevii of this weeks parasha). In a sense Hashem is telling us that there is no way we can begin to approach Him unless we can live in a proper way with each other. More than that, the goal of living peacefully as a society is simply a springboard to all of us reaching a real and deep connection with Hashem. Shabbat Shalom Binny
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 23:22:43 +0000
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