Tag: Parshat Mishpatim

Loaning money is a greater Mitzvah than giving Tzedakah...

How should we understand the difference between the Written Torah and the Oral Torah within the context of Israel's identity and development?

Whoever speaks Lashon Hara or accepts Lashon Hara, or bears false testimony is fit to be cast to the dogs...

How should we understand the difference between the Written Torah and the Oral Torah within the context of Israel's identity and development?

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin's insights into Parshat Mishpatim.

For most of the nations of the world, the laws governing interactions between people are conventions set up by citizens to enable their society to function. They are bereft of any Divine influence. However, such laws within a Jewish society are very much religious laws as well. To demonstrate this point the Sanhedrin, which was ultimately responsible for all legal aspects of society, was housed in the Temple. By being there it was made clear to all that, for Jewish society, the interpersonal societal laws were Divine in origin, just as the ritual laws were.

First in Parshat Yitro there were the Asseret Hadibrot (the Ten Utterances, or general principles). Now in Parshat Mishpatim come the details.