The Torah opens Parashas Mishpatim with the words: “And these are the laws that you shall place before them.” (Shemos 21:1). Rashi comments that the vav (“And”) connects these laws to what came before: Just as the previous commandments were given at Sinai, so too these laws were given at Sinai. The Chasam Sofer asks, why emphasize Sinai specifically? Why not simply say that just as the earlier mitzvos came from Hashem? He explains that Har Sinai represents humility. It was the smallest and lowest of the mountains, and precisely for that reason it was chosen as the place where the Torah was given. One might have thought that the judges must act with power and intimidation to maintain authority. The Torah therefore emphasizes that mishpatim are “from Sinai” — to teach that judgment must be carried out with humility. (Toras Moshe 21:1)
Our Parashah teaches, that one who steals an ox must pay five times its value, yet for a sheep four times (21:37). Chazal teach that the one who carries the sheep pays less since he suffered from embarrassment by carrying the sheep in public (Bava Kamma 79b). Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz explains that since he suffered from more embarrassment, we would assume that he had some element of regret, consequently this would atone for some of his sin. Therefore, he only has to pay four times its value. We see from here that repentance isn’t ‘all or nothing’ and even thoughts of regret achieve some amount of atonement, even if we didn’t fully change our ways.
The Torah commands that if a lender takes a garment as collateral from a poor person who has nothing else to wear at night, it must be returned “until the sun sets” (22:25). The Kli Yakar explains that this wording alludes to a profound lesson. Each day Hashem causes the sun to rise and set, generously providing warmth and light to the entire world – even to those who may not be deserving. Reflecting on this constant kindness should inspire us to emulate Hashem and “light up the pauper’s darkness” by returning the collateral and easing his suffering. The lender might think that if the borrower has not repaid the loan, he does not deserve special consideration. Yet Hashem acts differently. He continues to shower us with kindness, such as sunlight and warmth, regardless of how deserving we are. So, the Torah is encouraging us to follow in Hashem's ways and not to be exacting with others.
