2.13.26 – Stand on One Foot

This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim (right rulings), opens with a situation that requires the attribute of mercy, which is the foundation of everything. It is the most important measure of a man. And Torah's main objective is man's adherence to the commandments (mitzvot), judgments (mishpatim), words (devarim), and statutes (chukot). This is precisely why Torah begins this portion of Mishpatim with the concepts of the Hebrew servant (eved ivri) and the master's relationship with such a person who has come upon very hard times (whether by circumstance or self-induced).

This is a God-given opportunity—His personal tikkun (restorative work)—to aid the individual in acquiring and internalizing the attribute of compassion and kindness. Without the attribute of mercy, without the ability to feel empathy for another person's plight in life, there is no help. There is no help for them ever becoming a functioning member of the society that Torah envisions—one that is based on caring for each other. But once an individual has truly developed this trait of compassion, it would naturally follow that it would be easier for him to refrain from committing other sins, because a great deal of the ability to cautiously avoid doing evil is dependent on the trait of compassion.

A merciful person does not hurt others. He does not bear false witness. He does not give away someone else's property. He will not refrain from returning a lost article. He is careful not to cause other damages and everything else that follows in Exodus 21–23.

One of the greatest biblical minds in the history of mankind was found in the life of Hillel. He lived with a motto: "What is hateful to you, don't do it to someone else."

Understanding the importance of empathy and the importance of treating others with compassion, kindness, and respect—this is called the Golden Rule. There is a famous story of an unbeliever who approached Hillel and challenged him to teach him the entire Torah while standing on one foot. In response, with great patience, standing on one foot, he said:

"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of Torah; the rest is commentary. Go study and do it."

This is the core principle of the Torah: to treat others with kindness and respect. Hillel encouraged that individual to study the Torah further to gain a deeper understanding of God's instructions and how they can be applied in daily life.

The vastness of Torah's many laws and commandments (613 traditionally) is rooted in the Lord's desire to instill within us love, compassion, and ethical behavior toward others. It encourages us to go way beyond knowledge to actively apply principles in our interactions with others, building our own personal character while building a caring and responsible society.

The Sinai revelation takes us from spiritual immaturity to become partners in creation as God's covenant partner, while viewing the material world with the truth of the Lord.

Shalom!
Alan

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