Weekly Mission: Parshat Mishpatim- The Comitted Life

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Weekly Mission: Parshat Mishpatim

The essential point that we learn from our experience at Mt. Sinai is expressed through Moshe’s actions. In this week’s Torah portion, we read that Moshe ascended and descended the mountain continuously. We, the Jewish people, were in awe of receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai: the smoke, lightning, thunder and the loud shofar blast. Surely we cannot assume that Moshe continuously ascended and descended the mountain in order to burn off calories from the Pesach matza. We cannot assume that Moshe ascended and descended because “he felt fat.” In next week’s Torah portion, we read about the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Divine presence dwelled within the Mishkan, but it is referred to as resting “in them” not “in it,” showing us that the Divine presence is within every Jew. The Mishkan travelled with us through pain and suffering, drought and famine, and even wars.

Throughout all of our experiences, the Mishkan was our source of connection with G-d.

“… This is the blood of the covenant, which G-d has made with you regarding all these words (24:8).”

The RaMBaN teaches us a very important lesson. What is pleasure about? What is Torah about? How do we merit inclusion in the sanctity of the Mishkan? You guessed it! The one thing that world Jewry has managed to struggle with since its conception: the Torah. The revelation of G-d and our act of receiving the Torah was the commitment. It was the “blood of the covenant” which G-d gave us through these words.

These days, it is very difficult to be a Jew. Anyone who tells you differently is wrong (sorry folks). Though this may be the case, it’s because some of the most difficult things in life are the most concretely sustained and enjoyed. “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” The Torah is timeless. It enables (and has enabled) billions of people to connect to G-d. It was given to the Jewish people more than 3,000 years ago--- we learn from it and breathe it. Unfortunately, however, many have fallen ill to their own subjective perception of what Torah “really” is. Many of our own brothers and sisters who stood with us at Sinai are the ones implying these false virtues and we continue to allow them to do so. But we must have a completely conscious covenant HaShem and to give ourselves the opportunity to decipher what that is.

At Jewish weddings, there is a standard sequence of religious practices: the Nesuien (the actual transaction of acquiring one’s soul mate), the Kriyat Ketuva (the reading of the marriage document), and Sheva Brachot (the seven blessings that praise G-d and sanctify the marriage canopy and the day). Nesuien and Sheva Brachot make sense to me, but why the Ketuvah? One can easily sing a song; speak about how special the groom and bride are, etc. Why is the reading of the Ketuvah inserted smack in the middle of the wedding ceremony? This is because, no matter how joyous the occasion, there needs to be an emphasis on a stronger center, the commitment. The Ketuvah is read at that time because it reminds us what marriage consists of. In marriage, there are happy times and low times. Throughout those times, we must remain committed and remember that the Mishkan is “where it’s at.”

Many of us compromise in our relationship with the Torah. We feel as if we are connected, but we actually have one foot out the door. We feel committed but we are not fully committed. But if we keep both hands and feet inside at all times, then we can dwell with the Divine presence within us. When are inspired by situations and then two weeks later we feel low again, we must learn the secrets of this Torah portion. The secret to the success and continuity of inspiration is one word: commitment. We cannot fully love another person nor can we fully love HaShem and His Torah without uncompromising and unconditional commitment, or to follow Moshe’s footsteps, to constantly ascend the mountain to HaShem.

This week I will try to: focus on what the Torah means to me, and not what others say it should mean to me. I will come to realize that Judaism involves struggles, and to overcome struggles, one needs commitment. I realize that the continuity of an inspiring moment only remains from having both feet in. I will work for my role with the Torah, so HaShems presence will dwell within me.

The Aleph-Bet

Aleph is the letter that is the numerical value of one. It is the letter that shows G-ds sovereignty in the world. The word “aleph” hints to the word “aluph” which means Master.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh tov (on Sunday night)!

Edited by: Rachael B. Goldberg

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