Last week, our parashah focused on the first moment the Israelites were given the Ten Commandments.  From then on, the rest of the Torah gives us clarification of them through examples.  In fact, this week’s parashah gives us examples, and then starts again with new examples for the coming weeks. 

        We all think and learn differently.  Some other people need simple instructions.  Yet others need to understand the profound meanings, whereas some need more detailed examples.  We are given all of these things together.  Just by having this parashah exist as an all-encompassing testimony to what I stated above, by itself it tells us Adonai is omnicient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.  Adonai created all things and ultimately controls all things.  Even the structure of the Ten Commandments embodies this idea.  Just in case you need more proof, what is the first commandment?  You shall love the Lord your G-d, with all your might, with all your soul, and with all your being.  Body, mind, and soul is how we should worship G-d.  As another way of putting it, your thoughts, emotions, and actions should always be aware of and act for G-d, and to serve G-d.

        We are taught, through this Torah portion, how we are to recognize and worship G-d in our everyday lives.  To this end, we are told to treat people - and yes, it talks about all people from all walks of life, including slaves - the same way.  It goes on to delineate even mothers, children, strangers in your midst, the rich, poor, and those oppressed, i.e. specifically widows and orphans.  We begin with worshipping Adonai, and not gold or ourselves, or images of anything which can be seen from the Heavens.  This lends support to those who believe the gods of ancient peoples were aliens.  It could easily be true, which by the same token tells us Adonai had Moses write this - not aliens, as some believe.

        The next item discussed is the importance of family as an extension of Adonai.  This means everyone in the family should be treated kindly, respectfully, fairly, lovingly, and mentions how to do this for those who need more instruction.  Actually, more along the lines of what not to do.  Interestingly, it is in this parashah we are taught a fetus is not considered a life until it is alive, outside the mother’s womb.  While in the womb, it is only a potential life.  The passage is very specific:  for more, read Exodus 21:22. 

        We are taught judges are to be agents of Adonai, and as such should be honest and fair to everyone who comes before them, regardless of station in life, and to never take a bribe.  There is a lot in this passage about personal responsibility, and to that end as far as the legal system is concerned, no matter your current station in life - rich or poor - there is no excuse for stealing, murdering with intent, cheating another by deception, etc.  I even see how it directly speaks to how to punish those, like Bernie Madoff, who are entrusted with other’s money and steal it by hiding it.

        Just in case you are wondering about the direct culpability of a poor person, or one oppressed, we are told never to place someone in a desperate position so they feel they must murder, steal, etc.  We are admonished here and throughout the Torah to treat the oppressed and poor with dignity, which means help with food, money, shelter, etc., in a way which is more like simple giving rather than lending.  Why?  Because one oppresses further with a heavier burden by charging interest or expecting any payment when it is impossible, at the moment, for the person to do so.

        The wording of a father’s culpability in treating another - anyone but himself - oppressively, abusively, unfairly, or even going so far as murder, is also mentioned here.  What we are told is the plural for the man’s wives, and his children, and the community is alluded to also.  So, maybe it doesn’t come outright and say it, but what is clearly indicated is anyone who is aware of someone acting in the above manner is also culpable for not stopping it.

        As if to emphasise this point further, we are told to even treat all animals kindly, and not to overburden them.  If one sees anyone or any animal being overburdened or victimized, one must help the person or animal (how many examples have we heard of recently regarding animal abuse?!).

        It seems extremely clear to me how our actions in every part of our lives must answer to G-d, and regard how we worship (or not) G-d by extension.  In other words, how we treat others, all others - animals, as well as all of the material things we have, as they are spoken of too, including money - reflects our respect, or lack of it, for Adonai. 

        I have written about this many times before, but it certainly bears repeating.  This parashah teaches us how to treat others and gives details down to the poor, oppressed, family, and those who aren’t Jewish, equally.  Equally, meaning of course kindly, fairly, respectfully, lovingly - ALL OTHERS, NOT JUST FELLOW JEWISH PEOPLE.  It also specifically addresses “loans” to those who aren’t Jewish, but happen to be in a state of need the same way, meaning without interest charges and as a gift, not a loan if the person is not in a position to pay.

        In regards to those who question why people and governments, business, etc., are not stopped from these actions by Adonai, we are told about this too.  The Torah states Adonai will help, but slowly, until we find the strength to help ourselves.  Adonai will never allow all of the Jewish people to be annihilated, though some will suffer unless we humans take responsibility for each other and help those in whatever kind of need they are in.  As the great man Elie Wiesel said about where G-d was during the Holocaust, “The question shouldn’t be where was G-d?  It should be where was man?”  From this passage we also learn from inference - and indication - Adonai gives us the freedom of choice.  We are also admonished to choose wisely, to help your family and your fellow human beings, no matter what religion or group they belong to.  It is our responsibility to put a stop to any and all evil acts.

        All of this passage leads us to the understanding (if it doesn’t, it should) that everything we do, say, and think in every aspect of our lives reflects our worship of G-d or not.  Let me make this even clearer.  If you abuse any one, or all, family member(s), cheat in your business transactions, or act in such a way as to overburden your workers, family, or animals, and you don’t allow everyone to have rest at least one day a week - Shabbat - your appearance at services, and your possibly continuing our traditions at home, will not redeem you in Adonai’s eyes.

        While our parashah tells us to specifically celebrate and observe Shabbat, Passover, Sukkot, and Tu B’shevat (and I believe this is meant literally), notice how we are to gather with family and friends to celebrate at proscribed times.  One must celebrate in life, and always in doing so, give thanks to Adonai for all things.  Adonai makes everything possible and wants us to enjoy life!  The caveat is to enjoy life by worshipping G-d through every aspect of our lives, therefore one should not receive any joy at the expense of others’ ability to do the same.

Shabbat Shalom!

I’d love to know what you think!