Parshas Mishpatim

1. Seeing Things in Their Proper Perspective

The Torah tells us that after Yisro had gone into the desert to become part of the Jewish people, Moshe had shared with him in detail, every aspect of what had transpired from the time of the exodus until that moment. He had told Yisro how G’d had rescued the Jewish people from the Egyptians through revealed miracles. The Torah states, "Yisro rejoiced over all the good that Hashem had done for Israel, that He had rescued them from the hand of Egypt…" It would seem that the basis for Yisro's joy was considered to be appropriate because he had the capacity to appreciate and internalize what G’d had done on behalf of the Jewish people. He had saved the oppressed from their masters. However, Sforno explains that the Torah is communicating something that is slightly critical of Yisro's perception and response to what had taken place.

Sforno states, "When Yisro had heard how the Egyptians were destroyed, he did not rejoice as one who is zealous over the honor that is afforded to his Maker. As it states in Psalms, ‘The righteous will rejoice when they see the vengeance of G’d being meted out.’ But rather Yisro rejoiced over the benefits of the Jewish people as one who is pained by the tears of the one who is victimized.” Upon hearing of the destruction of the Egyptians, who defied G'd, Yisro should have rejoiced over the fact that Divine Justice had taken place.

The Gemara in Tractate Sanhedrin tells us that Yisro was one of the advisors to Pharaoh. When he had heard that Pharaoh was going to institute bondage upon the Jewish people, Yisro fled Egypt in protest because he could not tolerate that level of injustice. He could not remain and watch the evil being perpetrated against the Jewish people. Yisro was sympathetic to the plight of the Jewish people from the beginning of their bondage. Since the beginning, Yisro internalized the pain of the Jew. When he was informed by Moshe how G’d had saved them from the hand of Pharaoh and the Egyptians he was thus relieved that the Jewish people were finally free of their oppression. This was the basis for Yisro’s rejoicing. Yisro, being the special individual that he was, should have risen above his humanistic feelings and internalized the situation as G’d meting our Divine Justice.

The Torah tells us that there is a positive commandment to give charity to one who is in need. Thus, when one gives charity it is because G’d commanded him to do so. Although one may be naturally inclined to be sensitive to the one who is in need and consequently want to respond to satisfy his need, one must nevertheless suppress his emotion and act only because G’d commanded him to do so. The fulfillment of G’d’s dictate should motivation for one’s action rather then one acting upon one’s emotion.

We say in the Avinu Malkeinu, "Our Father, Our King, avenge before our eyes the spilled blood of Your servants." We are supplicating G'd that we want to witness the destruction of our enemies. It is not because the nature of the Jew is to be (G'd forbid) bloodthirsty and seeking revenge, but rather we pray that those who have victimized the Jewish people throughout history should be eliminated only because G’d’s Divine Justice is being served. We will thus be the one’s to witness the glorification of G'd.

The Torah tells us that G'd said, "My Throne is not complete until the Amalekites are obliterated from under the heavens." The reason the Amalekites need to be destroyed is not because they are the enemies of the Jewish people and have attempted to destroy them throughout history, but rather, because they do not allow G’d’s Glory to be fully established. Therefore, His Throne is not securely in place.

Yisro focused on the peripheral benefit that was given to the Jewish people rather than witnessing G’d’s vengeance being administered. Thus, he had fallen short of his potential.

2. Internalizing Truth

The Torah states, “One who strikes a man and causes him to die, shall surely be put to death. But if one who had not lain in ambush and G’d had caused it to come to his hand, I shall provide a place to which he shall flee.” One is liable to be put to death if one commits murder deliberately; however, if one takes a life inadvertently, he must flee to one of the cities of refuge that are mentioned in the Torah. Rashi cites the Gemara in Tractate Makkos which tells us that the verse is referring two individuals who committed murder. One killed deliberately and one killed inadvertently; however, there were no witnesses in either case. Because their actions cannot be known to the court, both individuals remain free. They could behave as if there was no culpability for their actions. Both of them, in truth, are in need of atonement. G’d orchestrates events in order to bring about what is necessary.

The Gemara states, “How does G’d bring about justice? We see from the ancient allegory, from evil emanates evil. What is the ancient allegory? G’d Himself Who preceded existence states, ‘From evil shall emanate evil.’ . How does G’d mete out justice in this situation? G’d causes that these two individual to meet in an inn and share a room together. The deliberate murder chooses to sleep on the lower bunk and the inadvertent murder chooses the upper bunk. When the inadvertent murder was climbing the ladder to get to his bunk, he fell upon the deliberate murder on the lower bunk and killed him. This event is witnessed by qualified witnesses, thus causing the inadvertent murder to flee to a city of refuge. This was initially required for him to go for the sake of atonement. The deliberate murderer died to, thus receiving his proper punishment. Justice was thus meted out.”

What is the significance of this verse which alludes to the predicament of these individuals? It is to teach us that although one may have alluded the justice of the earthly court, one cannot escape Divine Justice. G’d will ultimately mete out when each individual deserves. As it states, “G’d had caused it to come to his hand.”

The Mishna in Ethics of our Fathers tells us that one should pray for the welfare of government because if it were not for the fear of government, people would swallow one another “alive.” Meaning, regardless of ethical, moral, and level of sophistication of society without the fear of government, a state of anarchy would develop to the point that people would become predators against one another. How is it possible that individuals with an understanding of values and proper behavior could fall to a level of barbarians?

A human being’s behavior is determined by his understanding of good and evil. Although conceptually one understands that there is acceptable and unacceptable behavior; however, there is no action that cannot be although it may be unconscionable. One recognizes the illegality or criminality of an action when it is identified as such within the context of accountability. In order to appreciate and internalize what is forbidden, one must be cognizant of the liability for that infraction.

However, if there is no context for the application of accountability, it remains an abstract concept with no relevance to one’s behavior. Therefore, as wrong as something may be, it could be justified. Therefore, the Torah teaches us regarding the two individuals who committed murder that although the court is unaware of their crime, G’d will orchestrate a setting in which Justice will be meted out. It brings to focus the reality of the implementation of accountability.

The fear of government is crucial to every society, in order to function and thrive because it is only through that that people could understand what is proper behavior. However, human law does not fully dictate how a Jew must live his life. If these laws that pertain the Jew are not under the governance of the court, then how is the Jew to internalize the laws that apply exclusively to him? The dictates of the Torah are more encompassing then the civil laws that govern secular society. It is only the fear of heaven that will allow the Jew to internalize and quantify his obligations as a Jew.

If one sees the Hand of G’d in one’s life then one can more easily live in accordance with the Torah because he will appreciate the truth of existence. Only through the study of Torah can one truly appreciate the profundity of its truths. As King Solomon states in Proverbs, “Neir mitzvah v’Torah ohr – the mitzvah is fuel and the Torah is the illuminator.” Torah gives the Jew the ability to see what is proper and what is unacceptable.

3. Tempering One’s Ego Through the Fear of G’d

At the beginning of the Portion of Mishpatim, Rashi cites Chazal who ask, "Why does the Torah juxtapose the Portion of Mishpatim (which begins with the laws pertaining to the rabbinic court of Israel /Sanhedrin) to the Portion of the building of the Altar? It is to teach us that the High Court of Israel (Sanhedrin Gedolah) needed to be placed adjacent to the Altar (the Sanctuary of the Temple). Meaning, that the Sanhedrin should convene in one of the chambers of the Temple that was located alongside the Sanctuary. This location was known as the Chamber of Cut Stone (Lishkas HaGazis).” What is the significance of the Sanhedrin being located adjacent to the Sanctuary? Why must the location of the Divine Presence be associated with the High Court of Israel?

One could say that the Sanhedrin Gedolah, which was comprised of seventy-one judges, needed to be associated with the Divine Presence because it adjudicated issues that pertained to capital punishment, thus affording them with the necessary level of clarity. However, we see that the High Court was not the only court qualified to issue the death penalty. The lower courts comprised of twenty-three judges, which existed in every community, was qualified to issue the death penalty without being located adjacent to the Sanctuary.

The Torah tells us that if there was a dispute among the lower courts, regarding a Torah law or perspective, they would ascend to the High Court that was located on the Temple Mount in order to elucidate and resolve the matter. The verse states, "Torah goes forth from Zion… (Ki me Tzion teitzei Torah).” Meaning, the source of clarity regarding the Torah emanates from the location of the Divine Presence, which is the Sanctuary located in the Temple. Therefore, one needs to go to the location of the Sanhedrin Gedolah, who possess that special level of clarity.

The law states that if the Sanhedrin Gedolah is not in session in the Chamber of Cut Stone, the lower courts are not permitted to adjudicate cases involving the death penalty. We see from this that the clarity that the lower courts receive in order to be able to issue such rulings emanates from the High Court’s relationship and proximity to G’d.

King David writes in Psalms, "The prerequisite (or) beginning of wisdom is the fear of G’d (Reishis chachmah yiras Hashem)” King David is stating that without the "fear of G'd" one could possess a level of genius that is unequalled, yet, simultaneously has no understanding of truth. He processes existence based on his own inner conflicts of interest. However, if one's intellect and knowledge is predicated on the fear of G'd, he will see the world within the context of G’d’s perspective, which is in fact reality. If one truly fears G'd, then he will be negated, thus allowing him to see truth. His conflicts of interest will be removed.

The Gemara in Tractate Sanhedrin tells us that the Judges who were qualified to sit on the Sanhedrin were required to understand seventy languages because they needed to hear the testimony directly from the witnesses without any intermediary. The Sanhedrin was composed of Judges that were not only proficient in the entire Torah but also many branches of knowledge because they were directly or indirectly related to their qualification to be able to render decisions. The Gemara tells us that although one is not permitted to study the laws of witchcraft, the judges of the Sanhedrin were permitted to be fully versed in all these areas in order to adjudicate those cases properly. The judges who qualified for the Sanhedrin possessed a level of genius and understanding that we are not able to comprehend.

Every person, especially one who is endowed with an exceptional level of genius is subject to ego. If one is not sufficiently humble, his ability to process truth becomes seriously impaired. The only way one can be truly humbled is to sense the presence of G’d. As King David writes in Psalms, the prerequisite of wisdom is the fear of G’d. Without the fear of G’d there can be no wisdom. Rambam tells us that Aristotle was one of the greatest geniuses that ever lived. However, because his genius was completely subjected by his ego, he did not come upon the truth of G’d. If one’s genius is tempered and directed as a result of one’s fear of G’d then that individual will come upon truth. This is the reason the Sanhedrin was located within the proximity of the Divine Presence. By being in the presence of G’d the judges of the Sanhedrin would remain humble, despite their dimension of person. This humility brought to them clarity in order to be able to render all levels of judgment. In addition, it was through them that the lower courts received Divine Assistance to be able to do the same. Moshe because he was the most humble person who ever lived was qualified to be the conduit of the ultimate truth, which is the Torah itself.

4. The Cost Factor that is Necessary to Acquire Spirituality

The Torah states, “And these are the ordinances that you shall place before them: If you acquire a Jewish slave (eved ivri), he shall work for six years; and in the seventh he shall go free, for no charge (chinum).” Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh explains this verse on an allusionary level. He writes, “The human being is a composite of the physical and the spiritual. Just as the slave is acquired and subjugated by his master, so too must the physicality of man be controlled and subjugated by his spirituality. The Portion begins, “And these are the ordinances that you shall place before them…” to indicate that one must be continuously cognizant of the struggle to subordinate the physical to the spiritual. This is the objective of life.” Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh continues, “Why does the Torah refer to the slave as ‘eved ivri (Hebrew slave)’? It is because the word ‘ivri’ is derived from the word ‘oveir (passing)’, which means transient. The physicality of man is only temporary…As the verse states in Psalms, ‘Life is similar, to a passing shadow’…One may live for sixty years and when he enters into the seventh (ten year period), he will pass on. The slave works for six years for his master and in the seventh year he goes free. As it states in Psalms, ‘The dead are free.’ The verse continues, ‘he (the slave) shall go free, for no charge (chinum)’ This alludes to the fact that when one passes away he leaves this world through ‘chinum.’ What is the meaning of ‘chinum’? It is referring to the angel of death (s’m’) and his entourage, as they are referred to by the Zohar. They have no intrinsic value whatsoever. (The angel of death, satan, and the evil inclination are of the same power which has no eternal value (chinum)). And therefore they have no dominance over a mitzvah which one performs through expending great amounts of money. As you also find, anything that represents spiritual impurity is available without effort or payment (chinum). This is not the case with the performance of a mitzvah that requires a great level of effort and financial outlay.”

Yisod v’Shoresh ha’Avodah writes regarding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that it is important for one to purchase the honors, which the days afford the individual, although it may entail great expenditures. He cites the Zohar that when one demonstrates his esteeming/valuing a mitzvah through purchasing it despite the financial cost, it brings about great merit. Simply one could say, that one’s merit is a reflection to what degree he esteems and values the mitzvah. However, based on the Zohar cited by Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh we can understand this on a more profound level.

The forces of evil such as the angel of death, satan, and evil inclination are false and have no substance. They are all of the same power. They are ‘chinum’ because they have no eternal value. The Torah tells us that during the Covenant between the parts, G’d had instructed Avraham to take several species of animals to be severed into two parts, each of which had a specific representation. One of the species that he had taken was ‘gozal (young dove)’ The Midrash explains that ‘gozal’ is referring to Esav/Edomites because they “deceive (gozal) mankind.” Esav/Edomites, which represent the evil inclination/satan/physicality continuously deceive mankind into believing what is not real. When one demonstrates his level of esteem and value for a mitzvah, it is not subject to satan and his entourage, who are classified as “chinam.” The forces of evil cannot have any effect on a mitzvah that one performs with great expense (physical/financial/sacrifice). The Gemara in Tractate Menachos tells us that the physical world was created with the spirituality of the Hebrew letter “hey”. The letter “hey” is comprised of a horizontal line, which rests on a vertical line on its right side and vertical line on the left, which does not quite reach the horizontal line (its roof). There is a small opening on the left side of the letter between the left leg and the roof of the letter. The Gemara tells us that the shape of the letter signifies the reality of physical existence. The wide-open space between the right and left leg alludes to the fact, that if one chooses the material and impurity, he can go into spiritual freefall without any hindrance. However, when one wants to repent and rehabilitate his spirituality he cannot return on the same path, but must return with difficulty through the small opening on the left of the letter “hey.” Evil is abundant and available without any difficulty- ‘chinum’/free of charge/easy to acquire; however, spirituality and attaining purity is something for which one must sacrifice greatly in order to achieve it.

There is nothing in existence more precious than the Torah itself because it is the wisdom of G’d. In fact, G’d Himself refers to the Torah as “ Lekach Tov (Good Commodity)”. Its study is equivalent to all of the mitzvos combined. The Gemara in Tractate Megillah states, “One who says ‘I have toiled (in Torah) and have come upon it’ –should be believed. One who says, ‘I have not toiled and I did come upon it’ –is not to be believed.” One can only come upon the truth of Torah, which is the ultimate, only through sacrifice, which is the toil and dedication to comprehend it. The only time one has relevance to the acquisition of Torah, which is the ultimate of value, is if one sacrifices sufficiently. This is because sacrifice is the antithesis of ‘chinum (no value)’ which represents spiritual impurity and nothingness. As the Gemara in Tractate Berachos tells us that one cannot acquire the Torah unless he is willing to die for it (sacrifice). It is only when one is willing to compromise his own comforts for the sake of the acquisition of Torah, will he be able to acquire it.

The Gemara tells us that one has a conjugal obligation to his wife on the night of her immersion in the mikvah. Shaloh HaKadosh explains that at the time of conception, the evil forces try to negatively impact upon the potential of the child that is meant to be conceived. This is because every Jewish child has the potential to bring about unfathomable levels of spirituality and holiness into existence. Therefore the evil forces attempt to impact negatively upon the future of the child at the moment of conception. Man’s natural inclination is to be physically drawn and attracted to his wife. However, the Torah prohibits one to have physical contact with her during the time of her impurity (menstrual cycle). Thus, one must go against his natural inclination by refraining. This is considered a sacrifice. In the merit of this restraint, G’d responds measure for measure by rewarding the individual by intervening and not allowing the evil forces to tamper with the conception of the child on the night of immersion. Similarly, the conjugal obligation of a Torah scholar is on the Shabbos because since the essence of Shabbos has a semblance of the spirituality of the World to Come, the negative forces cannot detract from the purity of the child that is meant to be conceived.

5. The Pervasive Truth of G’d

The Torah states, “Distance yourself from a false word...” One would think that the Torah should have stated, “do not speak a false word.” What is the significance of distancing oneself from falsehood? One could say that since a person is inclined and susceptible to speaking falsehood, one must take every precaution to distance himself from it.

Sforno explains, “One must remove himself from anything that will ultimately bring about falsehood. As the Mishna in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of our Fathers) tells us, a judge should interrogate a witness in a manner that obscures the true intent of his questions. This is because if the witness were to understand the intent of the questioner, he would consequently tell him what he wants to hear. This is what is communicated through the law, ‘Distance yourself from a false word…’” Thus, the Torah is teaching us that even if an individual does not speak falsehood, but engenders falsehood, he is in violation of this law.

The Torah continues, “Do not execute the innocent or the righteous, for I shall not exonerate the wicked.” Rashi explains the verse by citing a Gemara in Tractate Sanhedrin which describes two scenarios. The first situation is when the court finds an individual guilty and subsequently new evidence arises that confirms his innocence. The Gemara tells us that the court must admit the new evidence and overturn the guilty verdict. An innocent man/tzaddik cannot be punished. The second situation is when the court rules that the individual is innocent and subsequently new evidence is presented that demonstrates his guilt. The Gemara tells us that the court is not permitted to retract its innocent verdict and he is not punished. Chazal ask, “How is it possible that the Torah allows a guilty party to go free without punishment?” They answer, “G’d has many agents.” Meaning, that although he will not be subject to the punishment of the court, ultimately Divine retribution will come upon him.

The Gemara in Tractate Shabbos states, “The signet of G’d is Truth.” If the signet of G’d is Truth, then the court which has been charged to mete out G’d’s justice must therefore reflect His Signet, Truth. How is this possible? G’d’s judgment is perfect without inequity because He is the Omnipotent One. However, a human being, regardless of his dimension of person and proficiency in the subject matter, is nevertheless subject to error. If so, how does the Torah rely on man’s judgment to render justice? The Gemara in Tractate Sanhedrin cites the verse from Psalms, “Elokim netzav ba’adas keil – G’d stands (associates Himself) with the congregation of G’d.” Meaning, if the judges of the rabbinic court meet the criteria of the Torah, establishing them as a credible court, then G’d will associate Himself in judgment to give them the necessary clarity so that they should not err. They come upon their verdict through Divine Assistance. It is through G’d’s eyes that their decision is formulated. Thus, there is no concern that their decision is anything but truth.

The Midrash states, “If there is justice below, there is no need for justice from above. However if there is no justice below, then there will be justice from above.” Meaning, if justice is issued by the earthly court, then there is no need for Divine Justice. However, if the court is corrupt and does not render proper decisions, then there will be Divine Justice, which is catastrophic and devastating. Justice is a necessity for existence. If the earthly court functions as the implementers of justice, they are acting as G’d’s agents. Therefore Divine Justice is not necessary. However if they are corrupt, they do not represent G’d and therefore G’d must implement His own Justice.

If new evidence comes to light that will exonerate the person that was found guilty by a proper court, then their verdict must be overturned. This is because G’d, allowing new evidence to surface before the execution, is an indication that He is involved with the process of the court and does not want this individual to be put to death. Based on the Attribute of Justice, there is no perfect person. If the Attribute of Justice would be in effect, this individual (as well as any other individual) would surely deserve to die. Therefore if G’d allowed the court to overturn their verdict, it is an indication that He wants the Attribute of Mercy to be implemented. This itself is an expression of G’d’s Signet of Truth. The Attribute of Mercy is dictating that the defendant must be given another chance. Therefore the Torah states, “Do not execute the innocent…”

However, if new evidence were to be presented proving the guilt of the one who was found innocent by the court, they have no right to retract their decision of innocence. Although the individual is truly guilty, since the court had found him initially innocent, it would not reflect well on the court that acts as G’d’s agent to put to death one who was perceived to be innocent. However, if in fact he is truly guilty, justice will be meted out because G’d has many agents. Meaning, Divine Justice/retribution will ultimately come upon the individual.

Similarly we find in the Gemara in Tractate Makkos regarding two individuals. One of them had committed premeditated murder however it was not witnessed. Therefore he could not be prosecuted by the court. The other individual killed inadvertently and his action was not witnessed. Therefore he did not flee to a city of refuge as he was obligated to do. The Gemara tells us that these two individuals met at an inn and shared a room for a night. The individual who had committed premeditated murder took the lower bunk and the inadvertent killer took the upper bunk. As the individual ascended the ladder to get to his bunk, he fell on the individual in the lower bunk and killed him. This was witnessed. Consequently, Divine Justice was meted out. The murderer in the lower bunk received the death sentence that he deserved and the inadvertent killer now must flee to the city of refuge as initially he was obligated to do. As it states, “G’d has many agents.”

The Torah continues regarding the court, “Do not accept a bribe, for the bribe will blind those who see and corrupt words that are just.” Chazal tell us that the judge who accepts a bribe will ultimately forget his Torah study. This is because Torah is the ultimate in Truth and receiving a bribe is the antithesis of that. Thus, he is the equivalent of a tainted receptacle that does not have the capacity to contain G’d’s Wisdom, which is Truth.

Text Copyright © 2012 by Rabbi Yosef Kalatsky and Torah.org.

Rabbi Kalatsky is the founder of the Yad Avraham Institute, a New York-based learning center whose mission is to disseminate Torah to Jews of all backgrounds and walks of life.