Editor’s Note: It is with great pleasure that we welcome back Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, spiritual leader of Chabad of La Costa, to our lineup of regularly appearing writers. His column, “A Word of Torah,” used to appear regularly in the weekly San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, which ceased publication in 2003. Having worked with him then as editor of that newspaper, I relish the opportunity to once again bring his views to readers. — Donald H. Harrison
Living with the times
CARLSBAD California — This week’s Torah portion is titled Mishpatim, which means judgments. In this portion a whopping 53 commandments (out of a total 613 in the entire Torah) are mentioned. Twenty of the commandments mentioned are positive (thou shalt), and thirty-three are negative (thou shalt not).
The portion begins by stating, “And these are the judgments that were placed before you.” The word, “And,” is of critical importance we are told by the commentaries, as it demonstrates that this week’s portion is a continuation of last week’s portion. This means in order to properly understand the portion of Mishpatim we have to look back at the portion of Yitro.
What theme dominated Yitro? In Yitro the giving of the Aseret HaDibrot, the 10 Commandments, was described. Our Sages tell us that the entire Torah is alluded to within the 10 Commandments. There are positive Mitzvot and negative Mitzvot, and there are commandments between a person and G-d (Bain adam li’Makom), and commandments between people (Bain adam li’chavairo).
One would be hard pressed to think of a more dramatic or important section of the Torah than the 10 Commandments.
And then there is a dramatic shift from the soaring and lofty ideals expressed last week, to the minutely detailed laws found this week. We go from the concepts of The One, true G-d, the sanctity of Shabbat, the preciousness of human life, the abhorrence of idol worship etc. to the laws of goring oxen, leaving holes in the public thoroughfare, helping one’s enemy’s donkey that is overloaded, and even the laws of indentured servitude. This is a precipitous change of pace!
Lest one thinks that the Torah’s laws only apply in a general overarching way, our portion begins with the small but highly significant word, “And.” The 10 Commandments came from the Almighty on Sinai and so did these. The Creator is found in the grand scheme of things, in the whys and wherefores of creation. He is likewise found in the minutiae of human life.
The Torah is more vast and all-encompassing than many realize and appreciate.
Yes, we were given the Torah to reveal the concept of ethical monotheism and the notion that a Divine Creator imbued the life of humans with sanctity and purpose. But we were also given the Torah to let us know that G-d has directives as to what an unpaid guardian is liable for should the object he was watching is lost or stolen, and how we are to treat a poor person who has borrowed money from us and is having trouble paying back.
From the great concepts to the minute details G-d is right there, with us.
This is a dramatically different approach than other faith systems. Judaism demonstrates how G-d is involved in the fine details of our life – He didn’t just create the world and leave it to run on its own. He created the world (and us) and He remains involved.
When we study the Torah and then apply what we have learned in our daily lives we should be mindful of this. This is the most effective way to enhance our connection with G-d on an ongoing basis.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is Director of Coastal Chabads and Chabad at La Costa. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers’ comments and questions and may be reached at RabbiE@ChabadatLaCosta.com.