Friday February 7,1997                    Erev Shabbat Shvat 30, 5757

Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)

Something to think about:

	This week's Parsha contains 53 of the 613 Mitzvot (Torah
directives), most dealing with interpersonal law (as opposed to ritual
law).  Of the many Torah prohibitions, only one carries with it the
warning to "keep one's distance." "From a statement/incident of
falsehood, keep far away." (23:7) 

	Though Jewish law is full of Rabbinic laws designed to keep me
away from violating a Divine/Torah requirement, here G-d instructs me to
keep away from dishonesty.  I have a vivid memory of my mentor, Rabbi
Abraham Pam, the dean of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath telling us a personal
incident with the punch line, "Cheating must become revolting to you. 
Even when you might be able to legitimize it, you must reject it as you
would anything disgusting."

	The Chassidic Master, Reb Zusha (18th Century), interpreted this
verse a bit differently.  "From any dishonesty, [not "keep away from",
but] you become distant."  Dishonesty causes a barrier between a person
and Hashem.  When there is honesty, any sin can be repented; without
honesty there can be no repentance. 

	In our human interactions, honesty is a commodity that is rare.
Honesty is often misunderstood as naiveté.  We unfortunately have grown to
expect dishonesty.  Fortunately, Hashem's view of the human potential is
far more positive.  [Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (19th Century) writes
that while other religious texts try to offer humanity's image of G-d,
the Torah offers G-d's image of humanity.] We are capable of honesty.  It
can and must be ingrained into our natural reflex behavior. 

	The Torah places this message in Mishpatim to clearly demonstrate
that the root of honesty must be found in our dealings with our fellow
human beings. 

	Then, it can overflow into our relationship with Hashem. If
dishonesty creates distance between ourselves and others (including G-d)
than honesty will draw us together. 



Good Shabbos!!                             Rabbi  Hirsh Michel Chinn