Mishpatim, Shekalim, and the Fire Within: Growth, Compassion, and the Will to Illuminate (2019)

Good morning, dear friends. This week, we delve into Parashat Mishpatim, a portion packed with detailed laws that govern society with fairness and accountability. Unlike the more mystical commandments of the Torah, many mitzvot here are rational, logical—like those about damages, servants, property disputes, and interpersonal responsibility. Yet, the Torah reminds us: logic alone is never enough.

We are instructed to always bring our disputes before the Beit Din, even if a secular court might reach a similar ruling. Why? Because Torah law carries not only justice but spiritual depth and divine will. Even if it seems more efficient to bypass halachic courts, Hashem commands us to respect His system. Only Beit Din reflects the values and sanctity of Torah.

Still, amid all the “rational” law, the Torah injects something profoundly emotional. “If you harm the orphan or widow and they cry out to Me, I shall kill you by sword.” The Torah warns us that strict justice without compassion can be destructive. Even when you're legally “right,” Hashem demands we go beyond—adding empathy, softness, and humanity to every judgment.

Chazal tell us that Yerushalayim was destroyed not because people ignored the law, but because they applied it rigidly—“din din emet balo rachamim.” Justice without mercy is not justice at all. As we go about our lives, especially in times of conflict, the Torah is calling us: add warmth, add compassion.

A Fire Within: Parashat Shekalim and Divine Enthusiasm

This week is also Parashat Shekalim, the first of the four special Shabbatot leading up to Pesach. We read from Parashat Ki Tisa, where Hashem commands: “Zeh yitnu”—this is what they shall give. A half-shekel. Moshe Rabbeinu wondered: why only half a coin? Why not more?

To answer, Hashem showed him a coin made of fire. Fire—symbol of passion, willpower, and divine connection. The message? It’s not the amount you give, but the flame you give it with. Hashem doesn’t want a fortune. He wants you. Your soul. Your warmth. Your desire to be whole.

The Power of Half: You Are Enough

Each of us is a machatzit hashekel, a half. We may feel lacking, broken, or small. But Hashem says: that’s the point. You’re meant to strive for completeness, to join with others, to seek growth. You may not feel perfect—but if you offer your half with fire, you’re giving Hashem exactly what He wants.

The Menorah: Spreading Light Is Hard—But Possible

Moshe also struggled with the mitzvah of building the menorah. It had to be formed from one block of gold—an impossible task. Hashem showed him a menorah of fire and said: Zeh ma'aseh hamenorah—this is how it must be.

When even that didn’t help, Moshe threw the gold into the fire—and miraculously, the menorah emerged.

Sometimes, we don’t know how to illuminate the world. We feel incapable. But if we throw our efforts into the fire—with sincerity and prayer—Hashem makes miracles. We can spread light, even in dark times, even when we feel we can’t.

Rosh Chodesh: The First Mitzvah of Renewal

The final “zeh” appears in Parashat Bo: “Hachodesh hazeh lachem”—this new month shall be for you. Hashem showed Moshe the rebirth of the moon and said: this is your mission. Like the moon, we must keep growing—even after disappearing, even when small.

Hashem didn’t just show him a moon—He showed him a moon of fire. Because growth must come with passion, purpose, and heat.

Three Fires: What They Teach Us

Our sages ask: why did Hashem show these three mitzvot—the half-shekel, the menorah, and Rosh Chodesh—in fire?

1. The moon teaches us: strive for growth. But do it with fiery willpower.

2. The half-shekel teaches us: you're already valuable. But strive to become whole—with fiery conviction.

3. The menorah teaches us: spread light. It’s hard. But if you give your heart, Hashem will do the rest—with fiery miracles.

A Promise in Times of Illness

At the end of the parasha, the Torah says: “You shall serve Hashem... and He shall bless your bread and water, and I shall remove sickness from among you.” Not “He will remove,” but “I shall remove”—Hashem Himself is close in our pain.

Sometimes, Hashem’s presence is clearest in challenge. He doesn’t just bless our efforts—He carries us. If we open our hearts, we’ll feel Him walking beside us.

A Final Story: Singing in the Storm

A visiting rabbi shared this story: He took a taxi in Eretz Yisrael, and the driver was humming and smiling. The rabbi commented, “You seem so happy!”

The driver replied: “I lost my wife. I was left alone to raise seven children. At first, I wanted to give up. But then I remembered: Hashem took her. And Hashem left me alive—for a reason. So every day, I smile. I thank Him. I sing. I know He’s with me.”

That’s the light of the menorah. That’s the fire of the half-shekel. That’s the faith of the moon. That’s what this week is about.

Have a wonderful Shabat.

Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz