Parasha Summary - Mishpatim

Mishpatim deals primarily with social & civil laws, although we know that every Mitzva draws its power & purpose from Hashem's will.

Included in our Sedra's 53 diverse Mitzvot are: Laws dealing with the indentured bondsman & his rights, including his going free after 6 years of service; the penalties for damaging a person or his property; the imperative to respect the sensitivities of the convert, widow & orphan & to assist the needy with free loans; & the obligation to set up a fair system of justice. Shabbat & Shmita (the Sabbatical year) are also discussed, as are the Chagim of Pesach, Shavuot & Sukkot.

Hashem renews His promise to bring all Jews back to Israel. There is a Revelation of G-d, after which the Jewish People declare, "We will do & we will listen!"