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Mishpatim
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Following the revelation at Sinai, G-d legislates a
series of laws for the people of Israel. These include
the laws of the indentured servant; the penalties for
murder, kidnapping, assault, and theft; civil laws
pertaining to redress of damages, the granting of loans,
and the responsibilities of the "Four Guardians"; and
the rules governing the conduct of justice by courts of
law.
Also included are laws warning against mistreatment of
foreigners; the observance of the seasonal festivals,
and the agricultural gifts that are to be brought to the
Holy Temple in Jerusalem; the prohibition against
cooking meat with milk; and the mitzvah of prayer.
Altogether, the Parshah of Mishpatim contains
fifty-three mitzvot -- 23 imperative commandments and 30
prohibitions.
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G-d promises to bring the people of Israel to the Holy
Land, and warns them against assuming the pagan ways of
its current inhabitants.
The people of Israel proclaim, "We will do and we will
hear all that G-d commands us." Leaving Aaron and Hur in
charge in the Israelite camp, Moses ascends Mount Sinai
and remains there for forty days and forty nights to
receive the Torah from G-d.
This week's Torah reading also includes Parshat Shekalim
(Exodus 30:11-16), which speaks of the half-shekel each
Jew contributed to the Sanctuary. |
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