Book of Shemot/Exodus 21:1–24:18
Last week was a huge turning point in the story of the development of Monotheism and in the development of the relationship between Adonai and the Israelites. On the advice of his father-in-law Yitro, Moshe put judges in place to handle all of the matters/complaints/issues that would arise among the Israelites. Moshe establishes a structure for handling conflict and resolving disputes. He put the building of community in the hands of the people.
At the same time Adonai gave the Israelites the first iteration of the Torah thus putting the building of community into the hands of the people.
The shift is HUGE. Prior to these two events, God and Moshe do everything for the people. They anticipate and take care of all of their needs. The Israelites are not involved in any of the decision making or any of the implementation. Everything is done to them. This was appropriate while the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt but this would not be sustainable nor appropriate for a free people.
Both, Adonai and Moshe make the shift simultaneously. They both appreciate the need to begin putting "IT" into the hands of the people. Whatever this "one God one people" situation will be, will be up to the people. Whatever the structure of leadership for this people will be, will be up to the people.
We enter Parashat Mishpatim with Adonai continuing to give laws around damages and the treatment of indentured servants. Adonai is not letting go of the "if...then" nature of the relationship with the Israelites. Adonai describes wonderful outcomes "IF" the Israelites abide by all of the laws and obligations. Adonai also describes the opposite "IF" the Israelites choose not to abide by the laws. "IT" is in their hands. They have a choice. Afterall, if we look back into parashat B'reishit (the very first portion in the Torah) we are reminded of the fact that when Adonai created human beings, Adonai included free will. The Israelites are not robots or puppets. They are free thinking individuals. Granted, it's going to take a little time for them to embrace this new mode after being enslaved for centuries.
How do the Israelites feel about all of these changes? Their response is na-aseh v'nishmah/"We will do and then we will comprehend." They seem willing to jump right into this new existence. The response conveys a certain lightness and level of trust. It's exciting.
What will they do with all of the freedom? How will they make decisions about which laws they will follow and which they will dismiss? Will this be a communal decision or individual?
"IT" is still in our hands. And it seems as though we are still in the same position as the Israelites who are experiencing freedom for the first time. How do we make decisions about what we do? What is our comfort level around "na-seh v'nishma"? Are you we ok plunging into a task or embracing a norm without having the full understanding? Are we overly concerned with figuring out all of the details and knowing the outcome? What are the possibilities that come with being open to engaging in a practice without knowing why or what will be the result? Wouldn't it be fun to see?
Mekor Ha'Chayiim, Source of Life, as we move into Shabbat, may we have courage to release ourselves from knowing and understanding. May we take advantage of the opportunity to live in the doing.
Shabbat shalom,
Laurie
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