Parashat Mishpatim: Building a Society of Truth, Respect, and Connection

This week's Parasha, Mishpatim, delivered just after the giving of the Torah, delves into the foundations of a just and harmonious society. It is a timely discussion, especially as we reflect on the recent profound loss for the Antwerp community, the P'tira of Rav Liberman, zt"l. He was not only a pre-eminent Dayan and Mara D'Asra but also a beacon of wisdom, humility, and inspiration, embodying the very principles of respect and truth that Mishpatim champions. His memory serves as a reminder of the vital role spiritual leaders play in fostering a society built on Torah values.

The Torah's Blueprint for Law and Order

In an age where rebellion against authority and societal norms seems increasingly common, Parashat Mishpatim offers the Torah's perspective on law and order. Unlike secular systems that prioritize external control, the Torah's laws, particularly the majority of mitzvot in Mishpatim related to Ben Adam Lechaveiro (interpersonal relationships), aim to transform us into better individuals, guiding us towards spiritual perfection and connection to Olam Haba (the World to Come).

The Parasha opens with the establishment of Dayanim (judges). The Midrash beautifully compares this to a king on a journey, accompanied by guards both preceding and following him. Just as Yehud advised Moshe Rabbeinu to delegate judicial tasks before Matan Torah, Mishpatim reiterates the importance of training judges to explain the full extent of the mitzvot to Am Yisrael.

Significantly, the topic of judges immediately follows the mitzvah of building a Mizbeach (altar) in Parashat Yitro. Just as the Mizbeach, built of perfect, uncut stones, symbolizes peace and perfection by connecting man to Hashem, so too do the Dayanim bring peace and perfection by upholding the Torah's law, which is founded on Emet (truth) – the very essence of Hashem.

The Uniqueness of Torah Law: Beyond External Order

A crucial aspect of Torah law highlighted in Mishpatim is the directive to seek justice only before Jewish judges (Dayanim), "not before gentile courts" (Rashi on Elleh HaMishpatim Asher Tasim Lifneihem). Even if a secular court might render the same financial verdict, the Torah forbids seeking their judgment without explicit permission from a Beit Din.

Why this strict adherence? Because the Din (law) of Torah is designed not merely to create external order or discipline, but to elevate and perfect the Neshamah (soul). Secular courts, in contrast, aim solely for societal control. The Torah's purpose is to transform us, making us worthy of Chayei Olam Haba. This profound difference is illustrated by a poignant story: a wealthy man, focused only on material success, was transformed when reminded that Hashem was 15 times an "associate" to a father of many children, while only once to him. This realization shifted his perspective from a restrictive, self-centered view to a desire for connection to something higher, leading him to generously support the family.

The Torah fosters a "constructive order," not a "restrictive order." It seeks to re-educate and rebuild individuals, not merely imprison them.

Respect as the Cornerstone of Society

The first mitzvah in Parashat Mishpatim speaks about the Eved Ivri (Hebrew slave), a person sold by the Beit Din due to theft to repay their debt. The Torah's approach to such a slave is revolutionary. Instead of mere punishment, the focus is on re-education through respect and dignity. The Midrash teaches that if there is only one bed, the slave receives it. If there's one silver cup for Kiddush, the master gives it to the slave and uses a plain glass. This extraordinary level of consideration aims to rebuild the slave's self-esteem and respect for others, addressing the root cause of their transgression.

Similarly, the Halacha of the Amah Ivriyah (Hebrew maidservant), a young girl sold due to extreme poverty, further emphasizes this principle. She is destined to marry the master's son, and the entire household treats her with the dignity befitting a future mistress. This meticulous attention to the dignity of the vulnerable underscores the Torah's commitment to building a truly healthy society.

Further examples include:

• Protecting the Vulnerable: "Lo te'anun kol almanah v'yatom" (Do not cause suffering to any widow or orphan). Hashem vows to hear their cries immediately if they are mistreated, emphasizing the severe consequences of disrespecting those without support.

• Helping an Enemy: "Ki tireh chamor son'akha roveitz tachas masa'o v'chadalta me'azvo, hakem takim imo" (If you see the donkey of your enemy lying under its burden, and you refrain from helping him, you shall surely help him). This mitzvah demands that even for an enemy, one must set aside personal animosity to offer practical aid, demonstrating a profound commitment to human connection.

These laws reveal the Torah's unique approach: it's not enough to simply avoid harm; we must actively promote dignity and consideration for every individual, preparing us for Chayei Olam Haba.

The Inseparable Bond: Ben Adam LaMakom and Ben Adam Lechaveiro

At the end of the Parasha, we revisit the covenant at Matan Torah, where half the blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the Mizbeach (symbolizing mitzvot Ben Adam LaMakom - our relationship with Hashem) and half on Am Yisrael (symbolizing mitzvot Ben Adam Lechaveiro - our relationship with others). This teaches us that these two categories of mitzvot are inseparable. One cannot claim to be pure or righteous while lacking respect and consideration for others, as famously illustrated by the Chafetz Chaim's rebuke to a man using someone else's towel. Hashem values Ben Adam Lechaveiro so highly that sometimes, He may forgive transgressions against Him, but never against one's fellow.

As we approach the month of Simcha, let us make the most of these days of Shovavim to deepen our purity, achieve nekei kapayim u'var levav (clean hands and pure heart), and embrace the immense privilege of the Torah guiding us to greater levels of connection and perfection.

May we always share Simchas and good news together.