Understanding the Parsha according to the teachings of the Rebbe
QUESTION: What is the reason that the Torah lists the simple and rational understandable laws of Mishpatim immediately after the giving of the Torah?
ANSWER: The basic concept to all the Mitzvos, even those which might be easier to understand by man’s intellect, are that all Mitzvos given at Sinai. Thus, even “rational” mitzvos are not done out of understanding but due to their being commanded by G-d. )242 'מ, עטז לקוטי שיחות כרך(
QUESTION: Why is the law of the Jewish slave having his ear bored, the first mitzvah listed in this Parsha?
ANSWER: The law of the boring of the ear of the Jewish slave (punishment) that decides to stay a slave (wrong action) shows direct connection between a wrong action and its punishment. This displays one of the main concepts of Har Sinai, the ability for a spiritual activity to have a physical affect in the world. This is the beginning of service for a Jew is to bring the animal soul into realm of holiness. )251 'עמ ,טז לקוטי שיחות כרך(
QUESTION: How is the concept of “Tam” and “Moad” of a damaging animal apply to the service of Jews?
ANSWER: An animal is an allegory for man’s animal soul. When one sins (damages one’s relationship with G-d), which is not one’s normal nature, then is like a Tam. However, if one repeats the sin, one becomes a Moad, one who feels naturally distanced from G-d. In the laws of a damaging animal, if the ownership changes, then the law changes and the animal returns to a status of Tam. Also, one can change the one’s spiritual status through Teshuvah and immersion in Torah and Mitzvos. Then, one can change the “ownership” of one’s animal soul back to G-d. )102 ' , עמלו לקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: What is the spiritual understanding of the concept of Modeh BeMiktzas (partial admitting to the claim of another)?
ANSWER: The yetzer hora leads a person to sin (a loss of spirituality), and then, demands that the person be judged completely guilty. The Jew - the defendant - offers a "partial admission". While it is true that he succumbed to sin, it was only a "partial" sin, involving only an external aspect of his being, and not his soul's essence. A Jew, even with inherent lackings, can completely fulfill one’s mission by exercising bitul. )269 'עמ ,טזלקוטי שיחות כרך (
QUESTION: What is the spiritual understanding of the concept of the Four Guardians?
ANSWER: Jews are custodians of this world, and can behave as any one of the four categories
Shomer Chinom (Guardian without payment) “Soldier” - serves G-d without seeking remuneration
Shomer Sachar (Guardian being paid for service) “Worker” - serves G-d but wants the reward
Socher (Guardian uses the object in exchange for payment) “Enjoyer” - serves for personal benefit
Sho’el (borrows without paying for use) “User” - demands benefits without having to perform service
)112 , עמ'לא לקוטי שיחות כרך (
BEN CHAMESH L’MIKRA בס"ד
- הענינים מלקו"ש השבועי ועוד -
נשמת אפרים לע"נ ר' אפרים ב"ר אברהם ע"ה האפמאן
▪ Resource to encourage the study of the Rebbe’s sichos ▪
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