Shabbat Message, Feb. 12, 2021, Parashat Mishpatim, Rosh Hodesh Adar, Shabbat Shekalim

Click HERE (video) for the Shabbat Sermon: Unburden Yourself and Stop Villainizing. The Torah’s teaching about showing compassion to an ass crouching under its burden goes beyond our responsibilities to our animal friends. What if it is my enemy’s donkey? What do we do with our feelings of hate? The Torah has wisdom for how to live our lives and regulate our feelings.

Click HERE (video) for Torah study with Rashi on Law, Order, And Spirit: Exodus 23: 20-22. While the Torah reminds us to see the human beings facing charges and recognize their personal, mitigating stories, we are also reminded that justice includes paying our debts to society, as well. The workout of the right balance between the spirit of the law and strict adherence to code is embedded in the first Torah portion after the giving of the Ten Commandments.