|
Message from the Rabbi
On the heels of the Ten commandments, we dive right in to dozens and dozens of interpersonal laws called Mishpatim. In fact, this Parsha has the second highest number of Mitzvot. The number one spot goes to Ki-Teitzei.
At the end of our Parsha, we go back to the encounter of the revelation at Har Sinai, and it is there, in chapter 24, that we read the famous phrase "Na'aseh V'Nishma." According to most interpretations, much of the narrative in this chapter is chronologically out of order. It should have been placed back in chapter 19. If so, then why would the Torah place this after Mishpatim?
One way we can look at this is the "Bookend" approach. When it comes to religion and religious experiences, we tend to focus on the big events. The problem is that those feelings can fade. Encounter with Hashem is to be found at Revelation AND when we follow the details of all the laws of the Torah. These are the Mishpatim. Real connections, lasting connections are found and kept through our Mitzvot observance.
Shabbat Shalom
|
