Dear Friends,
After last week’s blockbuster Parsha — the thunder, lightning, revelation at Sinai — you would think the sequel would stay in the heavens a bit.
Instead, the Torah comes right down to earth.
This week’s Parsha is Mishpatim — which translates as 'civil laws'.
How does G-d start teaching the Jewish people after the revelation at Sinai?
Not with the more spiritual mitzvot like prayer.
Not opening with the Temple's ritual commandments or offerings.
Instead, right after Sinai, the Torah turns to the task of building a just society.
Basics like:
Damages.
Loans.
Courts.
Responsibility.
(Read more here)
A few examples:
- No bribery —“You shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted…” (Exodus 23:8)
- Return lost objects — “If you encounter your enemy’s ox… you shall surely return it to him.” (Exodus 23:4)
- Protect the vulnerable — “You shall not oppress any widow or orphan.” (Exodus 22:21)
It feels almost too procedural. Dare I say...a tad pedestrian?
But that’s exactly the point.
Judaism is not only about spiritual connection.
Sinai was never meant to remain a spiritual high. It was meant to shape how we do business, how we speak, how we handle money, how we treat people.
Holiness is not only in prayer. It is in honesty. It is in fairness. It is in quiet integrity.
The test of Sinai is not what you felt. It is how you live. How we live.
On that note, I have two special invitations for you:
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Shabbat of Blessing TOMORROW - Join us for our monthly Shabbat of Blessing TOMORROW as we explore some of the ethical laws in this week’s Parsha and how they guide real life. Followed by a special kiddush. (Reply to this email if you’d like to come).
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Study Daily Rambam — Begins This Sunday
If you’ve ever wanted a broader, clear grasp of Jewish law and Torah ideas (beyond a couple of nuggets in this email :))— you are in luck!!
Starting this Sunday (Feb. 15), we begin the 3-year cycle of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah — a systematic summary of the entire Oral Law.
In just 20–30 minutes a day, you gain exposure to the full structure of Jewish life — beliefs, ethics, holidays, prayer, business law, family life — all organized and practical.
Download the free Rambam App and join our Rochester Rambam WhatsApp group: All info is at JewishPittsford.com/DailyRambam
Remember: The Sinai Experience wasn’t meant to stay in the clouds.
Let’s bring it into our daily lives.
Good Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom,