Shabbat

Portion Mishpatim : A Clash of Ancient Rules and Modern (70's?) Feelings - or Not?

Portion Mishpatim : A Clash of Ancient Rules and Modern (70's?) Feelings - or Not?
 
 
Do we evolve? Does Judaism Evolve? Is Israel as United about our Legal System as we Once Were?
 
And very important:
 
Has "the world" learned ANYTHING from SINAI and from the TORAH of MOSES -?
 
So what if I try to help my neighbours carry groceries up the steps - and their kids are always smiling to me?
 
WHO CARES?
 
Today on Yahoo News the latest medical discovery from Israel was :
 
Bar Ilan University researchers found a way to Test for the CoronaVirus in 15 seconds with lasers - 
instead of the current one hour blood test!!!!!
 
Who else in the world is trying to put the world in perspective?  Every one else is watching the stock market and virus statistics!
 
And Who Cares?  The Torah says WE SHOULD CARE - AND IT WILL GIVE US A SATISFIED FEELING!
 
Mishpatim relates to the rules Moses probably learned on his Sinai trips. 
Do we need to Meditate like Moses to understand what he envisioned?
 
Do we realise that Moses made Israel from a bunch of wild tribes - 
INTO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THE CONSCIENCE OF THE WORLD (and the greatest healers and scientists of the world).
 
What do SINAI rules have to do with our feelings?  
Maybe most people today make up their own rules and don't think in terms of Biblical Rules? 
 
So how often do you return lost items to people?
 
How often do you try not to damage others - at work, while driving, 
or at parties where you offer drinks to people who need someone to tell them to stop?
 
What about making your workers wait for their pay or reimbursement?
 
The point is - we do not often think of "what is the moral" way in a situation.
 
And most people NEVER think "what would the Torah" way be in a certain situation.
 
Truth is, THINKING is NOT what usually guides our actions-
 
 - AND THAT IS THE POINT! We Act by Gut and Not by GOTT (G-d)!
 
So the Portion gives us direction - AND GIVES US A WAY TO BE HAPPY about our ACTIONS.
 
MAKE YOUR DAY SPECIAL - THINK A LITTLE ABOUT MORAL AND TORAH WAYS TO ACT
 
And it will add value and meaning to your life!
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Rabbi Andy Eichenholz