How do we understand the relative importance of Mitzvos? Last week we read the 10 Commandments. This week we find 53 more Commandments dealing with many various situations. Do we look at the 10 Commandments as the essential precepts and the other Mitzvos as necessary but not as essential?

Another question: Why does this week's Parsha, Mishpatim (laws), directly proceed last week's Parsha? The Abarbanel explains that immediately after the 10 Commandments comes the many detailed laws of Parshas Mishpatim to teach us that every Mitzvah in the Torah is a branch of one of the 10 Commandments. For example, every monetary law is necessary in order to define in every life situation exactly what belongs to whom. With these guidelines we are able to observe the last Commandment not to covet our neighbor's property. This is a beautiful thought but why is it imperative to know?

The answer is that whenever we come to do, or refrain from doing may Mitzvah, we are touching upon one of the fundamentals of the Torah, the 10 Commandments. We are constantly involved in fulfilling one of the basic tenets of Judaism, because every Mitzvah is connected and essential to the 10 Commandments. There is no such thing as a less essential law because they are all guidelines in order to fulfill the essential rules. This wonderful insight of our Rabbis gives us a new and exciting way how to view and relate to each and every Mitzvah found in the Torah.

The Diaspora Yeshiva-Toras Yisroel
P.O.B. 6426
Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel
E-mail: diaspora@netvision.net.il
Voice-mail: 02-6716841, Fax: 02-6717-116

"Ki Mi'Tzion Tetze Torah..."