The Laws of Finance – Mishpatim 5775

This week’s Torah reading, Mishpatim, introduces many of the laws of finance, torts, damages and jurisprudence.  There is here, and throughout the Torah a tremendous emphasis on justice, honesty and righteousness.  The eighth of the Ten Commandments, “Do not steal” encompasses all financial crimes, damages and issues of business ethics,  everything from the ultimate theft…

The 15th of Shevat and the Ethics of Agriculture – Yitro 5775

This week we will be marking Tu BiShvat, the new year of trees, so I think it is valuable to give a short review of some ideas behind the commandments that apply to the Land of Israel.  The agricultural products of the land of Israel are considered holy and therefore there are special laws that…