Torah Tidbits

6 September 2010 / 27 Elul 5770
Issue 0896
Issue 896 - Parshat Mishpatim - Shkalim 5770
February 11, 2010

Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder for Parsha MISHPATIM

1) Why does the Torah say the double language of MOT YUMAT when relating that certain sinners should be killed by the Jewish court (example - 21:12)?
2) Why does the Torah interrupt the laws regarding hitting and killing parents with the seemingly unrelated law about a kidnapper (21:16)?
3) Why does the Torah describe afflicting a widow and orphan in the singular (OTO) and not the plural (OTAM) since it is describing both of them (22:22)?


Answers - Ponder the questions first and then look here

1) The Ohr HaChayim explains that a person who receives capital punishment was already liable to be killed by G-D for his sin. G-D gives the Jewish court jurisdiction to be the ones to kill this person who already deserves to be killed from heaven. Thus, MOT refers to the person’s automatic judgment for death from heaven and the Torah is telling us that that person YUMAT, should be killed by the court.

2) Da’at Zekainim MiBaalei Hatosfot answer that both one who hits a parent and one who kidnaps receive death by strangulation, while cursing a parent receives death by stoning. Therefore, the first two are grouped together in the Torah.

3) The Kli Yakar teaches that when a person afflicts a widow, he is likely also hurting the orphan who sees it happening or receives the emotional results of this hurt. The same applies to afflicting an orphan where the widow is usually impacted. The Torah captures this idea by describing the law of hurting both of them in the singular - the action to one hurts both. This also explains the use of double language throughout this section (ANEI T’ANEH, TZA’OK YITZAK).

Points to Ponder is prepared by Rabbi Dov Lipman who teaches at Reishit Yerushalayim and Machon Maayan in Beit shemesh and is the author of “DISCOVER: Answers for Teenagers (and Adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith” (Feldheim) and “TIMEOUT: Sports Stories as a Game Plan for Spiritual Success” (Devora) His Hagada commentary, “FOUNDATIONS” will be published by Targum before Pesach
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Your Comments

Post a Comment

Have a Question or Comment?

Please fill in the required information below. Your comment will be reviewed by a moderator prior to posting. If you have a question or concern about this article please contact the Editor.

Remember my personal information
Notify me of follow-up comments?

Spam Protection
Help us fight spam by entering the word you see in the image

OU Israel and Torah Tidbits do not endorse the political or halachic positions of its editor, columnists, or advertisers, nor guarantee the quality of advertised services of products. Nor do we endorse the kashrut of hotels, restaurants, caterers or food products that are advertised in TT (except, of course, those under OU-Israel hashgacha). We recommend that readers check with the advertisers themselves to clarify kashrut and shmita details of their services and products.

Candle Lighting and Havdala

Candle Lighting Sponsored By: