Laws that Elevate

This week’s parsha, Mishpatim, follows the description of the revelation at Mt. Sinai, the giving of the Torah, and the listing of the famous, Ten Statements (or, colloquially, Commandments).  In our Torah reading there is an extensive focus on civil law, interpersonal relationships, finances, torts and damages.  The Ten Commandments were inscribed on two tablets. On the first tablet were five statements about the relationship between a person and his ...

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Justice! – Mishpatim 5776

Last Shabbat we read the Ten Commandments in synagogue, and this coming week we will be reading the Parsha of Mishpatim, judgments, detailing many of the laws that govern commerce, society, business and human interactions.  I believe that that there are some important lessons in this juxtaposition.  The Ten Commandments were inscribed on two tablets.  On the first tablet were five statements about the relationship between a person and his ...

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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 – kidnapping-- down to overcharging a customer.  Elsewhere, the Torah also enumerates many specific financial ...

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