This week’s Torah portion of Mishpatim is well known for the many laws it contains. Many of these laws are discussed in the Talmud, covering a number of different tractates. The portion opens with laws of an Eved Ivri- a Jewish bondsman, and the many laws related to how he must be treated. Additionally, there are laws related to how slaves must be treated in general and the sensitivity we must have.
There are also a number of laws that relate to animals; an ox that gores another ox, animal or human being, a person stealing another’s animals, or an animal being hurt or killed due to the negligence of a human being, and more.
For whatever reason, I never really related to either one of these topics. Growing up in New York and then moving to Texas in my early twenties, I never really interacted with slaves or with many animals beyond dogs and cats, and perhaps the mandatory family visit to the Bronx Zoo on Chol Hamoed (Intermediate days of Pesach or Sukkot).
This week I experienced something unique and mind opening. As I am currently in South Africa for my son’s wedding, our family took a three-day safari into the South African bush. Seeing so many magnificent animals has given me a new appreciation for the majesty of G-d’s creations, how sensitive these animals are to humans, and how we must be cognizant of how we interact with the animal kingdom.
Additionally, I have experienced discomfort at seeing the poverty of the indigenous peoples, and how those hired to clean and help are so eager and ready to do anything to please those that they are working for. As I chatted and interacted with them, I was struck by the strong work ethic, pleasantness, friendliness and humanity of us all.
Perhaps, now, as I study the weekly Parsha, I finally have a greater appreciation for the importance of treated all people and animals with dignity and respect, recognizing that we are all truly G-d’s creations.
Shabbat Shalom from South Africa.
Rabbi Y. Marrus
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