Tag: Mishpatim

Parshas Mishpatim

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Parshas Mishpatim (5773)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Mishpatim, Rashi explains are dinim that we can understand with our own sechel; some with the support of a pasuk and some completely on our own—but all with our own minds. This brings us to a very important principle that Hashem holds us responsible for anything that we understand ourselves; this is as though it was given to us on Har Sinai. This places upon us an awesome responsibility.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a fulfilling, simchadike Chodesh.

Parshas Mishpatim (5772)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In 23:3 Hashem reveals to Klal Yisroel that they will be blessed with a Malach which will lead, accompany and protect them in their journey and grand entrance into Eretz Yisroel. The physical connection to this malach was very real for they were commanded to be obedient and subservient to him. The actual manifestation was a very subtle, delicate communication that one had to merit to receive and to hear.

Many of us today have these communications from malachim that are sent. Listen to them, listen to them; feel special that you were deemed worthy to hear them. It is guiding you through life, a subtle voice. Follow it with the great recognition it deserves and humbly thank Hashem for being chosen.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a good Chodesh.

Parshas Mishpatim (5771)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5771)

by Mordechai Dolinsky

We must understand the great avlah that Rashi brings at the beginning of the sedra of bringing a court case before a secular judge if their laws are exactly as the Torah’s. As accurate as the tenets of the judicial system might be parallel to ours, it is based on their logical conclusions. The source of our Mishpatim comes from the Essence of Hashem. As the Nefesh HaChayim and Baal HaTanya explain the basis of even the most basic laws stem from the Essence of Hashem. Indeed our relying on the logic of the secular court is a great lack of recognition and respect for the Borei Olam.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a fulfilling Chodesh.

Parshas Mishpatim (5770)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Stealing a human is considered such a grave sin since it deprives the individual of his precious opportunity for making use of his life. What a lesson.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a simchadike Chodesh.

Parshas Mishpatim (5767)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

For the Mishpatim we must be reminded specifically that it is from Sinai and for the very same reason the Sanhedrin was placed near the Bais HaMikdash. The monetary laws are unique in that to properly understand and deal with them we must exert and involve our own logic. To really get down to the mentality and depth of the frame of mind of the claimants. At the same time we must keep this within the parameters of the dogmas of the Torah.

The Meddrash quotes the Chazal that Hashem loves orphans and widows since they lean on Him for their support. We are living in a period of poverty in direction of the true values of the Torah and Hashem surely will value our beseeching Him for direction.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Mishpatim (5766)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The mere positioning of our parsha, Mishpatim, right after Matan Torah shouts its supreme importance. This is to insure that our financial contacts and interactions be upheld at the highest level of care, respect and consideration. This is the theme of “derech eretz kodma l’Torah”, the priority of following the instructions and guidelines for being a decent human being.

In the same vein of thought, at the end of the sedra 24:10 Rashi explains that the ‘sapir’ mentioned, was what Hashem used during the slavery in Egypt to “remind” Himself of our suffering. A most vital aspect of being a decent human is to have concern and share the distress of others.

How relevant this is, especially today, with so much suffering among achenu Bnei Yisroel; the terrible sickness, catastrophic financial situations, divorce, and the awesome plague of our children going astray. Hashem Himself sets an example—let’s keep the heartache of Clal Yisroel constantly before us and yearn for a speedy, complete redemption .

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Mishpatim (5762)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In our sedra we have the seemingly “cool” dry monetary codes. How out of place it seems in pasuk 23:12 that the pasuk slides into the theme of Shabbos and then continues into Yom Tov.

The obvious lesson it that the monetary laws are extremely integrated with spirituality. This concept is diametrically opposed to the secular idea of separation of judicial matters and spiritualism. This is likewise the concept behind the placing of the Sanhedrin specifically in the location of the Bais Hamikdash.

The lesson for us is the integration of Hashem in all aspects of our lives, even into areas that would seem the most remote. This is the essence of our whole Torah and the idealism of Clal Yisroel. It is bringing Hashem, the King of the Universe, into the universe.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Mishpatim (5761)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Immediately following an account of the greatest event in the history of the world, – the presentation of the Torah on Har Sinai, comes the parsha of Mishpatim, – laws concerning monetary matters. The placement of this parsha in itself has a clear message of importance of the subject manner. This message really goes back to the times of Noah and the dor hamabul, which we find that the fate of the flood was sealed because of their improper monetary practices.
In terms of actually living up to our monetary obligations, there presents a big challenge as is with anything that is of true value in this world. There are multitudinous areas in monetary matters that despite its extreme importance, there is carelessness in its fulfillment, unfortunately. Often this is due to the simple lack of knowledge, realization or insight that there are common everyday situations that enter the realm of Mishpatim.
One of our great torah leaders (R’ Yisroel Salanter?) was walking in the company with a few others – all donning the then popular silk top hats. These hats contained a hard steel bar in the inside to keep it taut. While walking there was a sudden gust of wind and the godol clasped his hat and instructed those with him to do likewise in order to prevent their own hats from blowing off and causing unintentional damage to other objects by the impact of the falling hat. Explaining himself, he applied the principle of the gemmorah “if a person places his stone, knife or bundle on his roof (head), and it was blown off by a normal wind, he is held responsible”. Some interpreted this application was said in jest, however, he really was quite serious. This was just his point – applying the principles of mishpatim to practical applications of ordinary day occurrences.
To be guilty of creating a bor, a hole that is an obstacle in a public thoroughfare; one may think he has to bring a drill press, or jackhammer and dig on a main street. The truth however is, a bor is created by one carelessly extending his feet in the isle of the bus.
Another example is when one borrows a pen and while thinking of what to write, chews on the tip. This is what is to be understood by the transgression of helping oneself to something without the permission of the owner, for the pen was surely not given to be chewed upon. The same can be applied to leaning back on the two hind legs of a borrowed chair; or leaning on the glass of a store showcase.
Consequent to bringing to the attention of businessmen that a certain practice he is doing is in fact cheating – thusly stealing, ones attempt to justify himself very often is – “this is the essence of business.”
How often do people help themselves to seforim from old shuls where they rationalize is that they will make better use of the seforim than where they currently are. Can you imagine learning Baba-Kama from a stolen gemorrah J!
The point here to developing an awareness and sensitivity to be on constant guard for possible violations and this will surely bring a special blessing for all Clal Yisroel and ourselves.