Mishpatim
Toward the end of last week’s parsha, Yitro, the Jews received the ten commandments. So parshat Mishpatim starts with great expectations of further heavy-hitting commandments. In fact the parsha begins with the letter vuv, indicating that indeed the beginning of this parsha is connected to the end of the previous parsha, and that the upcoming commandments in this week's parsha were also given at Sinai (Rashi). After all of this buildup, what is the first topic? A Jewish slave! This seems an ironic juxtaposition, going from the highest of highs to someone at such a low position. The commentators teach us through this transition that Hashem is just as thorough in laws dealing with slaves, as they have also been created in His image, and that there should not be a separation between "church and state" in Judaism. In fact there is just as much holiness to be found in a businessman dealing fairly and in accordance with Torah law as there is in worshiping Hashem.
In schools, this creates a focus not only on the Judaic subjects being taught, but on those who teach and learn them. A knowledgeable Judaics teacher or a learned student will carry over this knowledge into other areas of his or her life, attempting to be scrupulously honest and respectful, as the Torah has instructed. Teachers, school leaders, and even top students are role models for this reason and must avoid the trap of claiming, as a famous basketball player once did, that just because he had certain skills this did not make him a role model. As Rabbi Asher Yablok, Yeshiva Atlanta's Dean of Judaic Studies, said so eloquently last Shabbat at Young Israel of Toco Hills, "I do not teach Gemorrah; I teach students." This lesson builds directly from the transition from last week's parsha to this week's.
Knowing this, it is incumbent upon us to keep Hashem in mind throughout our days--not simply when we are in shul. May we all endeavor to reach this level of holiness in our daily lives.
The Yeshiva Atlanta Cause Fair will be held next Thursday, 2/23, from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm in the YA Cafeteria. Please come enjoy the fruits of the hard work of our students, as they advocate for a cause they believe in. See attached flyer for details.
All women and girls are invited to Yeshiva Atlanta’s Chagiga presentation, Ima Mia, on Sunday, March 4 and Monday, March 5. Doors open at 6:30 pm for dinner, and the show begins at 7:15. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, please email Chagiga2012@gmail.com. Please come enjoy an amazing show!
Shabbat Shalom--
Paul Oberman
In schools, this creates a focus not only on the Judaic subjects being taught, but on those who teach and learn them. A knowledgeable Judaics teacher or a learned student will carry over this knowledge into other areas of his or her life, attempting to be scrupulously honest and respectful, as the Torah has instructed. Teachers, school leaders, and even top students are role models for this reason and must avoid the trap of claiming, as a famous basketball player once did, that just because he had certain skills this did not make him a role model. As Rabbi Asher Yablok, Yeshiva Atlanta's Dean of Judaic Studies, said so eloquently last Shabbat at Young Israel of Toco Hills, "I do not teach Gemorrah; I teach students." This lesson builds directly from the transition from last week's parsha to this week's.
Knowing this, it is incumbent upon us to keep Hashem in mind throughout our days--not simply when we are in shul. May we all endeavor to reach this level of holiness in our daily lives.
The Yeshiva Atlanta Cause Fair will be held next Thursday, 2/23, from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm in the YA Cafeteria. Please come enjoy the fruits of the hard work of our students, as they advocate for a cause they believe in. See attached flyer for details.
All women and girls are invited to Yeshiva Atlanta’s Chagiga presentation, Ima Mia, on Sunday, March 4 and Monday, March 5. Doors open at 6:30 pm for dinner, and the show begins at 7:15. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, please email Chagiga2012@gmail.com. Please come enjoy an amazing show!
Shabbat Shalom--
Paul Oberman
