The name of the Parshah, "Mishpatim," means "Ordinances" and it is found in Exodus 21:1.
Following the
revelation at Sinai,
G‑d legislates a series of laws for the people of Israel. These include the laws of the
indentured servant; the penalties for murder, kidnapping, assault and theft; civil laws pertaining to redress of damages, the granting of
loans and the responsibilities of the “
Four Guardians”; and the rules governing the conduct of justice by courts of law.
Also included are laws warning against mistreatment of
foreigners; the observance of the
seasonal festivals, and the agricultural gifts that are to be brought to the
Holy Temple in
Jerusalem; the prohibition against cooking
meat with milk; and the mitzvah of
prayer. Altogether, the
Parshah of Mishpatim contains 53
mitzvot—23 imperative commandments and 30 prohibitions.
G‑d promises to bring the people of Israel to the
Holy Land, and warns them against assuming the pagan ways of its current inhabitants.
The people of Israel proclaim, “
We will do and we will hear all that G‑d commands us.” Leaving
Aaron and
Hur in charge in the Israelite camp, Moses ascends
Mount Sinai and remains there for
forty days and forty nights to receive the
Torah from G‑d.
Learn:
Mishpatim in Depth
Browse:
Mishpatim Parshah Columnists
Prep:
Devar Torah Q&A for Mishpatim
Read:
Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play:
Mishpatim Parshah Quiz
