Parashat Mishpatim
Torah
Haftarah
Dedications and this week’s calendar are below. For more information about our community, visit: http://bethmeier.org/
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Who, or What, Comes First?
“Now these are the rules which you shall set before them.” Exodus 21:1
The rules set forth in this parashah are primarily two types: civil and criminal legislation and humanitarian matters. This follows last week’s receiving of Aseret Hadib’rot (the “Ten Commandments”). Having initially identified God and prohibiting worship of other gods, the Torah here continues to deal with matters arising between humans, such as: how to treat slaves, strangers, converts, widows and orphans; the requirement to pay damages for personal injuries; protecting others from dangerous livestock and conditions of property; and much more. Some brief laws regarding sacrifices and the observance of the holidays come later in the parashah.
The Chasidic Master Simcha Bunim of Pshischa wonders why it says “before them”. He suggests that “them” is not the Israelites. Rather, it is to teach us that the commandments between fellow humans (mitzvot bein adam l’chavero) come before the commandments between humans and God (mitzvot bein adam la’Makom). Not just literally, as in the text, but in terms of importance as well. Heresy? Hardly.
Our teacher is on to something. What is the point of rigid ritual observance as a form of worshiping God, if one is going to mistreat fellow human beings, who are made in God’s very image? It's not only hypocritical, it's a chillul hashem (a desecration of God's name).
This is not to downplay the importance of the mitzvot bein adam la’Makom. Rather, based on Simcha Bunim, I would suggest that observance of the mitzvot bein adam l’chavero will lead one to observance of mitzvot bein adam la’Makom. This follows from this well-known teaching on teshuvah (repentance): For sins against our fellows, we must do teshuvah with them before we do teshuvah with God.
HaMakom (God, the One in Every Place, the Eternal) might have “needs”, but we learn here that people’s needs come first. That is how one properly observes the mitzvoth and serves God.
Shabbat Shalom.
Congregation Beth Meier
Studio City
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Candle lighting: 4:57 pm
Friday: New Member Shabbat Dinner – 6:00 pm. Join us as we welcome our new members for 5774. RSVP essential! Shabbat Evening Service – 8:00 pm. Oneg Shabbat follows.
Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am. Kiddush lunch follows.
Sunday:
Tuesday: Lunch and Learn - noon. Minyan and Memorial Service for Colleen Pierce – 7:00 pm. Light refreshments and the opportunity to give condolences to the Pierce family follow.
Wednesday: (Re)Introduction to Judaism class – 7:30 pm. This week’s topic: “Jewish History – The Late Medieval Period." NOTE: NO Class on Wednesday, February 5.
This d'var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Blimah Reizel bat Ruchel, Dina bat Sarah Emanu, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Connie Rosen Axelson, Eve Beatty, John Todd Brosky, Jo Cardona, Howard Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Steven Kleiger, Lizzie Legnine, Frank Marcovitz, Sheldon Mazo, Marshall Neiman, and Phil Raider.
Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to add to this list or if there is anyone who may be removed from this list.
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