Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Yosef Shemtov
Parashat Mishpatim comes right after Benei Israel received the Ten Commandments at Har Sinai. This parasha deals with many laws. In fact, 54 of the 613 laws of the Torah are found in this portion. It is interesting that the very first mitzvah after the Ten Commandments is the mitzvah of the laws concerning slaves. The Torah discusses in detail the responsibilities of one who acquires a slave. Why should this mitzvah be mentioned first? There are so many other mitzvot that are more practical.
I saw an interesting answer. The Torah wants us to have compassion for people who are weaker than us. Usually if you own a slave, you feel superior and may not pay attention to the slave’s feelings. The best time to give this mitzvah was right after Bnei Israel left Egypt since at that point the experience of slavery was fresh in their minds. Bnei Israel knew the hardships of slavery because they themselves were slaves. Therefore, the Torah is saying not to forget the experience of slavery when one day you become rich and own slaves yourself.
Human tendency is to forget about the past. The Torah says to remember your past in order to have compassion for people who are lower than you and those who need you. You should deal with them with respect.