Parshat Mishpatim: The Laws of Parshat Mishpatim- An Educational Progression A PowerPoint Review, to be viewed with the corresponding shiur. Shiur by Menachem Leibtag Presentation by Tammy Weisz

Part I: When was “Na’aseh V’Nishma” The Narrative 19:1-25 Preparation for Matan Torah 20:1-17 Ma’amad Har Sinai 20:18-23:33 Ko Tomar 20:18-22 First 3 Mitzvot 21:1-23:33 Mishpatim 24:1-2 Instructions for Later 24:3-8 Moshe conveys Divrei Hashem & mishpatim and performs brit ceremony [Na’aseh V’Nishma] 24:9-18 Moshe goes up to Har Sinai

Rashi: “Ein Mukdam U’Meuchar” Rashi presents a different order of events! Dibrot present many difficulties: –Who are the Kohanim who stand closer than others at Har Sinai? –Why must bnei Yisrael repeat their statement of Na’aseh so many times? –Who are the ‘heym’ who are allowed to ascend Har Sinai once the shofar sounds a long blast? Rashi interpretation of the order of events answer many questions!

Rashi’s Approach 19:1-25 Preparation for Matan Torah 20:1-17 Ma’amad Har Sinai 20:18-23:33 Ko Tomar 20:18-22 First 3 Mitzvot 21:1-23:33 Mishpatim 24:1-2 Instructions for Later 24:3-8 Moshe conveys Divrei Hashem & mishpatim and performs brit ceremony [Na’aseh V’Nishma] 24:9-18 Moshe goes up to Har Sinai Perhaps, the story is divided up to contrast the Yirah/Ahava aspects of Ma’amad Har Sinai.

Part II: “Ko Tomar” 20:18-22 Bein Adam La’Makom 21:1-23:9 Bein Adam L’Chaveiro 21:2-22:16 Case-type Law: Enforced by Beit Din 22:17-19 Imperative-type law: Enforced by Beit Din 22:20-23:9 Imperative-type law: Beyond Beit Din Structure of the 1st group of mitzvot Bnei Yisrael receive:

“Ko Tomar” 20:18-22 Bein Adam La’Makom 21:1-23:9 Bein Adam L’Chaveiro 21:2-22:16 Case-type Law: Enforced by Beit Din 22:17-19 Imperative-type law: Enforced by Beit Din 22:20 “You shall not wrong a stranger…” 22:20-23:9 Imperative-type law: Beyond Beit Din 23:1-9 Particularly High Standard of Ethics 23:9 “You shall not oppress a stranger…” 23:10-19 Bein Adam La’Makom (and chavero) Fear of Man Love of God Love of Man Fear of God

An Educational Progression I.The Fear of Man Case-type laws enforced by Beit Din II.The Fear of God Imperative-type laws, punishable by God III.Love for One’s Fellow Man Imperative-type civil laws, ethical behavior IV.The Love of God Laws creating a special relationship with God One Last Promise: (23:20-23) If we obey all these rules, then God will assist them in the conquest of the Land.

Nishma V’Na’aseh Na’asehIn response to: “V’asita kol asher a’daber” V’nishmaIn response to: “im shmoa tishm’u b’kolo” If Sefer Ha’Brit includes 20:18-23:33, then God’s promise (to help conquer the land) forms the basic statement of this covenant. Perhaps Na’aseh V’Nishma is in response to this covenant:

Part III: The “Toldadot” of the “Dibrot” 20:19Believing in God’s HitgalutI. “Anochi…” 20:20Prohibition of Idol OwrshipII. “Lo yihiyeh lecha…” 20:21-23The laws of Mizbayach, which help declare and sanctify God’s Name III. “Lo tisa et shem Hashem…” 21:1-6Eved Ivri - “Base 7”IV. “Zachor et Yom HaShabbat…” 21:1-23:9Bein Adam L’chaveiroV. --> X 23:10-19Shmitah, Shabbat, Aliyah La’regel- “Base 7” IV. “ Zachor et yom Ha Shabbat…” 23:20-23The mal’ach with “shmi b’kirbo”III. “Lo Tisa et shem Hashem…” 23:24Not to worship their idolII. “Lo yihiyeh lecha…” 23:25Worshipping God and its rewardI. “Anochi…”

Chiastic Structure: Yitro/Mishpatim 19:1-20:18 Brit and Dibrot at Har Sinai 20:19-23 Bein Adam La’Makom - I.-III. 21:1-6 Eved Ivri - IV. 21:1-23:9 Bein Adam L’chaveiro - V.-X. 23:10-19 Shmitah, Shabbat, Regalim - IV. 23:20-25 Bein Adam La’Makom - III.-I. 24:1-18 Brit of “Na’aseh V’Nishma” at Har Sinai and Moshe’s ascent to receive the luchot with the Dibrot Theme: Ma’amad Har Sinai