Parashat Mishpatim
Who's In, Who's Out
The ordinances in this portion emphasize issues relevant to society and the
interactions among groups.
By Rabbi Kerry Olitzky
This commentary is provided by special arrangement with
the Jewish Outreach Institute, an organization dedicated to creating a more
open and welcoming Judaism. To learn more, visit www.joi.org.
Rules.
Parameters. Boundaries. That's what this Torah portion is all about. It's also about that which sets apart
ancient Israel from its neighbors. It is infrequent that the text is so
self-evident that the reader can clearly determine whether the various things
listed in the Torah are designed to keep Israel in, or those who are not part
of Israel out. It actually might be one of the reasons why even those inside
the community have trouble determining the extent of their commitment to
following these regulations.
These rules seem
mundane, especially when compared to the grandeur of the previous week's scene
at Mt. Sinai, until close to its completion where we read "And the people
beheld the God of
Israel...." (Ex. 24:10).
There is no
story here, no bold narrative. This is its simple lesson. It is not merely
on the occasions of Sinai--to which
few of us are ever witness--that we
experience the Divine, but it is also in the occurrence of our everyday lives.
Perhaps the
reason the Torah chooses to use the Hebrew word mishpatim (ordinances)
rather than mitzvot (commandments) is to emphasize that these issues are
relevant to society and the interactions among groups. And it is in the
interactions with others--even
those outside the camp of Israel (which this parashah helps us to
navigate)--that the sacred can be
found.
Rabbi Kerry
Olitzky is the author of many inspiring books that bring the wisdom of Jewish
tradition into everyday life. He most recently co-authored 20 Things for Grandparents of Interfaith
Grandchildren to Do (And Not Do) to Nurture Jewish Identity in Their
Grandchildren and Jewish Holidays: A Brief Introduction for Christians.
