Parshas Mishpatim (5761)

BS”D

Parshas Mishpatim (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Immediately following an account of the greatest event in the history of the world, – the presentation of the Torah on Har Sinai, comes the parsha of Mishpatim, – laws concerning monetary matters. The placement of this parsha in itself has a clear message of importance of the subject manner. This message really goes back to the times of Noah and the dor hamabul, which we find that the fate of the flood was sealed because of their improper monetary practices.
In terms of actually living up to our monetary obligations, there presents a big challenge as is with anything that is of true value in this world. There are multitudinous areas in monetary matters that despite its extreme importance, there is carelessness in its fulfillment, unfortunately. Often this is due to the simple lack of knowledge, realization or insight that there are common everyday situations that enter the realm of Mishpatim.
One of our great torah leaders (R’ Yisroel Salanter?) was walking in the company with a few others – all donning the then popular silk top hats. These hats contained a hard steel bar in the inside to keep it taut. While walking there was a sudden gust of wind and the godol clasped his hat and instructed those with him to do likewise in order to prevent their own hats from blowing off and causing unintentional damage to other objects by the impact of the falling hat. Explaining himself, he applied the principle of the gemmorah “if a person places his stone, knife or bundle on his roof (head), and it was blown off by a normal wind, he is held responsible”. Some interpreted this application was said in jest, however, he really was quite serious. This was just his point – applying the principles of mishpatim to practical applications of ordinary day occurrences.
To be guilty of creating a bor, a hole that is an obstacle in a public thoroughfare; one may think he has to bring a drill press, or jackhammer and dig on a main street. The truth however is, a bor is created by one carelessly extending his feet in the isle of the bus.
Another example is when one borrows a pen and while thinking of what to write, chews on the tip. This is what is to be understood by the transgression of helping oneself to something without the permission of the owner, for the pen was surely not given to be chewed upon. The same can be applied to leaning back on the two hind legs of a borrowed chair; or leaning on the glass of a store showcase.
Consequent to bringing to the attention of businessmen that a certain practice he is doing is in fact cheating – thusly stealing, ones attempt to justify himself very often is – “this is the essence of business.”
How often do people help themselves to seforim from old shuls where they rationalize is that they will make better use of the seforim than where they currently are. Can you imagine learning Baba-Kama from a stolen gemorrah J!
The point here to developing an awareness and sensitivity to be on constant guard for possible violations and this will surely bring a special blessing for all Clal Yisroel and ourselves.