Parshat Mishpatim

Parshat Mishpatim begins with the laws of a Hebrew slave: "If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years, and in the seventh year he shall go out free." Rashi explains that the slave was sold by the court for stealing, indicating that his slavery is a consequence of his actions. However, his slavery is not permanent, as he is freed after six years, highlighting that even a sinner's punishment is temporary.

The Torah explains that even a slave has rights and can marry, have children, and start a family. But if a slave chooses not to leave after his six years, saying he loves his master, his wife, and children, he must have his ear pierced, symbolizing a lifetime of slavery. This act is a reminder of the importance of freedom and not becoming used to life of slavery.

This concept echoes the creation story: for six days, G-D worked, and on the seventh, He rested. Similarly, Chazal teach us that the world will experience 6,000 years of toil, with the seventh millennium bringing rest and redemption.

Just as the Hebrew slave is freed after six years, we, too, are nearing the end of our exile, awaiting the redemption that will come in the seventh "year."

The Jewish people have endured 2,000 years of exile, but the time has come for us to return to the land of Israel and live as a free people. We must not become comfortable in exile, but strive for freedom, as we are at the threshold of redemption.

Shabbat shalom,

Rav Ari Haber