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Parshas Mishpatim: Building a Holy Society
Immediately after the thunder and lightning of Har Sinai in Parshas Yisro, the Torah turns to something seemingly less dramatic: civil law.
Parshas Mishpatim opens:
“וְאֵלֶּה הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר תָּשִׂים לִפְנֵיהֶם — And these are the ordinances that you shall set before them.”
(Shemos 21:1)
Rashi famously explains that the word “And” connects these laws directly to Sinai. Just as the Ten Commandments were given at Sinai, so too the civil laws were given at Sinai (Rashi on Shemos 21:1).
This teaches something revolutionary:
Judaism does not separate spirituality from responsibility.
Holiness is not only in prayer and inspiration; it is also in contracts, damages, employment law, and interpersonal conduct.
Justice Is Divine Service
The Torah details laws about:
Damages (Shemos 21:33–22:5)
Borrowing and lending (Shemos 22:13–14)
Sensitivity to the vulnerable (Shemos 22:20–26)
One powerful verse states:
“כָּל־אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם לֹא תְעַנּוּן - You shall not oppress any widow or orphan.”
(Shemos 22:21)
And just a few verses later:
“אִם־כֶּסֶף תַּלְוֶה אֶת־עַמִּי - If you lend money to My people…”
(Shemos 22:24)
Although the verse uses the word ‘if,’ Rashi explains that this is not optional. This is one of the rare places in the Torah where ‘if’ actually means an obligation.”
The Torah is shaping a society rooted in dignity, fairness, and compassion.
Law as a Form of Emunah
The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that Mishpatim teaches that faith is not only belief but also behavior. True emunah is expressed in how we treat others in everyday interactions.
At the end of the parsha, the Jewish people declare:
“נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע - We will do and we will hear.”
(Shemos 24:7)
They commit first to action.
This is the blueprint of Jewish life:
Action shapes understanding.
Behavior refines belief.
What This Means for Us Today
For those who serve, whether in law enforcement, military, public service, or community leadership, Mishpatim speaks directly to you.
Justice is not just policy.
It is a sacred trust.
Every decision, every ethical choice, every moment of integrity reflects the Torah’s vision of society.
Mishpatim reminds us:
Accountability is holy.
Compassion is strength.
Systems matter.
Details matter.
Holiness lives in the structures we build.
A SoulLinks Reflection
We often speak about supporting those who serve. Parshas Mishpatim reminds us that supporting a just society is holy work in itself.
When we strengthen families, protect the vulnerable, act with integrity, and uplift one another, we continue the Sinai mission.
May we merit to build communities rooted in justice and compassion, and may our actions bring the fulfillment of:
“וַיַּרְאוּ אֵת אֱלֹקֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - And they perceived the G-d of Israel.”
(Shemos 24:10)
Not only at Sinai, but in daily life.