21 February 2025
Week of 16-22 February 2025
Torah portion : Exodus 21 : 1-24 :18 ; Haftarah: Jeremiah. 34: 8-22; 33: 25-26
Theme: “The ancient covenant with God, who liberated them from the house of bondage, is a powerful reminder of freedom and hope (Jer. 34:13; Exod. 20:2).”
After witnessing the awe-inspiring display of thunder, lightning, dense clouds, and trembling mountains, God decisively lays out a vital opportunity for moral and legal guidance through a series of 53 mitzvot in the Torah, as recorded in Yitro. A significant portion of Mishpatim, also known as Seifer Ha-B’rit (The Book of the Covenant) the name is derived from 24:4,7. (ETZ HAYIM p 457-458), explicitly outlines 23 imperative commandments and 30 prohibitions that are essential for constructing a just society. This comprehensive framework confronts critical issues such as slavery, murder, assault, and theft, while also establishing clear guidelines for ethical behavior and religious as well as social responsibilities. Though these detailed laws may appear to diverge from the grandeur of the Decalogue (Moses Receives the Tablets vv. 12-18 ETZ HAYIM p 479-480), they deliver crucial insights necessary for fostering a harmonious community and embodying the values outlined in the earlier commandments
The laws and ordinances outlined in Mishpatim, following the revelation at Sinai, act as important reminders that these are Divine commandments, designed to foster a just and orderly society (cf. ETZ HAYIM, Exodus 24:3 No. 3 p 477). Rabbi Akiva, as referenced in the Babylonian Talmud (Eruvin 54b), highlights the vital role of educators in explaining the reasons behind the commandments to their students. The opening phrase of this section, “Now these” (Ve’eileh), serves as an important reminder of the continuity of previous teachings: “These are the ordinances that you shall put before them.” In the face of complex covenantal principles, the people of Israel demonstrated remarkable unity and enthusiasm by declaring, “Kol asher diber Adonai na’aseh” (“All the things that the Lord has commanded we will do!” ETZ HAYIM, Exodus 24:3, p. 477). This commitment was further solidified after sealing the covenant with blood, as they reiterated their dedication with, “Kol asher diber Adonai na’aseh v’nishma” (“All that the Lord has spoken we will faithfully do!” ETZ HAYIM, Exodus 24:7, p. 478). This collective affirmation emphasizes the importance of understanding the commandments and the responsibilities that come with them, fostering a deeper commitment to the principles of faith.
Today, many Jewish people embrace the phrase “we will do and we will faithfully do” as part of the Zemer (song) Yom Shabbaton, sung during the Sabbath meal, reinforcing their commitment to the values of the Sinai covenant. The joy found in following God’s commands is beautifully illustrated by Israel’s enthusiastic response, which showcases their earnest desire for guidance in building meaningful relationships with God and one another. The reference from (ETZ HAYIM Exodus 21:23-25 p 462) lays down the critical law of retaliation, known as “lex talionis.” This principle, encapsulated in the phrase “eye for eye, tooth for tooth,” is also found in Leviticus 24:17, Deuteronomy 19:16, and Matthew 5:38. It is essential to recognize that this law should never be taken literally; instead, it conveys a profound message. Its primary purpose is to prevent the escalation of violence, enforce personal responsibility, affirm the inherent equality of all individuals under the law, and guarantee that justice is dispensed fairly.
In the Haftarah, along with the commandments of this parashah, the people happily committed to freeing their slaves (cf. ETZ HAYIM Jeremiah. 34: 8-22; 33: 25-26 p 481-482). The Eternal One clearly expressed disapproval of any reversal of the earlier liberation of the Jewish slaves, while also offering a warm invitation of mercy, welcoming the people back with open hearts. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel beautifully illustrates this idea in “Siddur for the Sabbath and Festivals” (p. 323): “The rules of observance are law in form and love in substance. The Torah contains both law and love. Law holds the world together; love propels it forward.”
For Reflection and Discussion: 1) Let’s take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of the law rather than just its literal details. It’s understandable to wonder if we have lost the sense of joy that comes from genuinely following God’s commands. It’s important to reconnect with that joy and embrace the spirit in which those commands were given. 2) Consider how your vulnerability touches your relationships with others and fosters connection.
Bibliography : ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition; Introductions to the Babylonian Talmud, Eruvin, Introduction to Eruvin; https://www.sefaria.org.il/Eruvin.54b.11?lang=he&with=Introductions%20to%20the%20Babylonian%20Talmud&lang2=bi;https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Shabbat/Meal/meal.html; SIDDUR FOR THE SABBATH AND FESTIVALS by Rabbi Menachem Davis – 2006 Judaism;https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/heschel-abraham-joshua
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023
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