Parashah Roundup: Mishpatim-Shekalim 5769

by Steve Brizel

The Aseres HaDibros and Mishpatim

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l explains the connection between the Aseres HaDibros and Mishpatim: link

Litigating in Secular Court
R. Dovid Gottlieb explores the halachic implications of litigating in secular court: link
Eved Ivri and Eved Knanni

R. Berel Wein suggests that the Torah's concept of “slavery”was a method of social rehabilitation of petty criminals and the dregs of society, as opposed to the “peculiar institution” that was present in the United States until 1865 and is present in other sectors of the world: link

R. Yissocher Frand, quoting R Yisrael Salanter, explains why the piercing of a slave's ear was traumatizing for both the master and the slave: link

R. Francis Nataf demonstrates the sensitivity of the Torah in the verses dealing with the sale of a slave and the sale of a minor daughter: link

Click here to read moreThe Importance of Understanding the Halachos of Nezikin

R. Daniel Feldman explores why understanding Nezikin is considered one of the means of becoming a Chasid: link (audio)

Gnevah

R. Daniel Feldman discusses the halachic dimensions of this Torah prohibition: link (audio)

Isho Mishum Chitzo and Aish

R. Baruch Simon explores the halachic and haskafic aspects of this Halacha and the Av Nezikin of Aish, especially with respect to contemporary halachic issues: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

The Seventh Year, Shmittah, Yovel and Shabbos

R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom., explains that the seventh year , the jubilee year and Shabbos all share a common redemptive purpose: link

Loving the Stranger

R. Jonathan Sacks, based upon the teachings of the Ramban, explains why the Torah repeatedly abhors us against oppressing the stranger: link

Identifying with the Borrower

R. Mordechai Willig urges us to remember that the real fulfillment of the mitzvos of Tzedaka and Chesed is dependent on the loaner seeing himself or herself in the persona of the borrower: link

Protecting the Widow and the Orphan

R. Asher Brander, based upon the teachings of the Ramban, reminds us that “Chanun” depends on the lender acting as the Divine Lender: link

Divine Judgment and Human Judges

R. Yitzchak Etshalom, via a chiastic structure based analysis, demonstrates that a judge must exemplify justice, as opposed to favoring either side in a civil dispute: link

Tashlumei Ganav Umazik

R. Asher Weiss explores the halachos of Tashlumie Ganav Umazik: link

Angel or Messenger

R. Dovid Horwitz explores the meaning of Shmos 23-20-26: link

The Covenant of the Basins

R. Aharon Lichtenstein reminds us that a commitment to God requires us to sacrifice human intelligence and understanding on the altar of Torah observance and tells us why this covenant was separated from the Aseres HaDibros: link 1, link 2

Naaseh Vnishmah

R. Michael Rosensweig urges us to utilize the pronouncement of Naaseh Vnishmah as a means of becoming Banim LaMakom and growing both as individuals and as a community: link

R. Ephraim Buchwald suggests that while for the generation of the Exodus, Naaseh Vnishmah was the valid response, perhaps “Nishmah” is more important for our generation: link

R. Shlomo Riskin underscores the importance of religious leaders re-inspiring each generation to reaffirm the covenant: link

R. Avraham Gordimer explains why Sefer Mishpatim serves as the basis for Kabalas HaTorah: link

Parshas Shekalim

R. Hershel Schachter discusses halachic and hashkafic aspects of Parshas Shekalim: link (audio)

R. Yaakov Neuberger explains why Moshe Rabbeinu was given special instructions and why the common good is shaped by the actions of the individual: link

Last year's roundup: link