Today we look at Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 – lots of laws, the promise of a guardian that will go before the Israelites and vanquish our enemies as we enter the Land of Israel, and the call to approach Mount Sinai.
Of the many laws, here are two:
Exodus 23:4 When you encounter your enemy’s ox or his donkey straying, return it, return it to him.
5: When you see the donkey of one who hates you crouching under its burden, restrain from abandoning it to him – unbind, yes, unbind it together with him.
On this September 11 during Elul, the month leading up to our High Holy Days, we should remember our tragedy and be moved by it to approach our enemies and those who hate us with integrity and generosity.
Let us turn hatred and enmity into civility.
