The Parsha |
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Mishpatim
Text:
In certain specific circumstances, a special penalty is imposed for stealing livestock. The penalty for stealing a bull is greater than that for stealing a sheep.
Rabbi Yochanan ben Zachai said: God cares about human dignity. [In the case of a] bull, which walks on its [own] feet, and the thief was not degraded by carrying it on his shoulder, he pays five; [in the case of a sheep] that he carries on his shoulder, he pays four, since he has been degraded. [Rashi to Exodus 22:37]
Question:
Does a burglar mind carrying a sheep on his shoulder? He steals in secret, and no one sees him! Besides, he chooses to steal; any indignity is self-inflicted – and probably irrelevant to him. Why does he deserve a reduction in punishment?
Answer:
The thief may be laughing all the way to the bank, oblivious to any slight to his honor. But although he may think he doesn’t care, the pain of humiliation is felt subconsciously, in the depths of his soul. He may not realize it, but God does – and reduces his punishment accordingly.
Message:
Human dignity is rooted not in social convention but in our innate spirituality. Every human being, from the most refined aristocrat to the lowest thief, possesses this nobility, and is keenly sensitive to a slight to his dignity. We must strive to sensitize ourselves to the inherent greatness in others – and in ourselves.
Click below to open a printable pdf
In certain specific circumstances, a special penalty is imposed for stealing livestock. The penalty for stealing a bull is greater than that for stealing a sheep.
Rabbi Yochanan ben Zachai said: God cares about human dignity. [In the case of a] bull, which walks on its [own] feet, and the thief was not degraded by carrying it on his shoulder, he pays five; [in the case of a sheep] that he carries on his shoulder, he pays four, since he has been degraded. [Rashi to Exodus 22:37]
Question:
Does a burglar mind carrying a sheep on his shoulder? He steals in secret, and no one sees him! Besides, he chooses to steal; any indignity is self-inflicted – and probably irrelevant to him. Why does he deserve a reduction in punishment?
Answer:
The thief may be laughing all the way to the bank, oblivious to any slight to his honor. But although he may think he doesn’t care, the pain of humiliation is felt subconsciously, in the depths of his soul. He may not realize it, but God does – and reduces his punishment accordingly.
Message:
Human dignity is rooted not in social convention but in our innate spirituality. Every human being, from the most refined aristocrat to the lowest thief, possesses this nobility, and is keenly sensitive to a slight to his dignity. We must strive to sensitize ourselves to the inherent greatness in others – and in ourselves.
Click below to open a printable pdf
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