Exploring the Mundane and Divine: A Reflection on Parshas Mishpatim
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
Parshas Mishpatim is a significant moment in the Torah as it marks the debut of halachic instruction. Monetary disputes and conflicts related to commonplace human interactions feature prominently. Topics such as slavery, the duration of servitude, and various aspects of custodianship are navigated in painstaking detail. Everyday scenarios, such as when one entrusts an animal to someone and it either perishes or is stolen, prompt questions about compensation obligations. Situations like digging a ditch and accidental falls are covered, emphasizing the ordinary and mundane.
The focus on the mundane and commonplace seems odd and out of sync with the profound spirituality and overarching narrative encompassing the events preceding and following this Parsha. For example, the previous parsha (Parshas Yisro) relates the giving of the Torah – arguably the most spiritually uplifting event in human history, where a whole nation collectively witnessed the divine. Toward the end of Parshas Mishpatim, the Torah describes ethereal visuals the Jewish nation beheld, such as the Heavenly Sapphire beneath Hashem's throne. The subsequent Parsha shifts focus to constructing the Mishkan, essentially providing God a terrestrial address.
Amidst these high spiritual moments sits Parashus Mishpatim, seemingly mundane and human, creating what appears to be an anticlimactic dip in the narrative. This sudden shift from the divinity of Har Sinai to the everyday concerns of human interactions raises a fundamental question: can divinity be realized in the mundane, and does godliness mix with the ordinary?
The apparent answer lies in our perception of divinity and godliness. Often, we seek divine experiences in grand, uplifting events, akin to the revelation at Har Sinai, where Hashem's glory was manifest. However, much of life does not unfold on the mountaintops; it occurs in the valleys – in the daily, mundane tasks that constitute the bulk of our existence. While it's rare to experience those climactic moments of spiritual fireworks, most of life is about the mundane checklists: family, work, and personal growth.
This is where the Torah imparts a profound lesson. Finding Hashem in the minutiae of daily life is not only possible but sometimes even more significant than in grand moments. Whether in business dealings, interacting with a neighbor, or even a simple act such as dog-sitting, these everyday moments are imbued with the potential for encountering the divine.
This concept was beautifully illustrated in a story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Schneerson), where a person questioned why Hashem, being so vast, cares about the small details of our lives. The Rebbe responded by describing two types of parents: those present only during significant milestones and those who partake in the small, everyday moments of their children's lives. Hashem, he explained, chooses to be like the latter, desiring to be present not only in our monumental experiences but also in the ordinary ones. The Rebbe's response was transformative, shifting the person's entire perspective on Judaism.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe also used the analogy of an atom to illustrate this concept. The smallest unit of matter, the atom, when split, releases immense energy. Similarly, the greatest expressions of love and divinity are often found in the most minor aspects of life. It's in these tiny, detailed moments where we can experience God's presence most potently.
This realization unveils a new dimension of our daily routines. Actions as simple as washing hands or eating bread can become divine encounters. We don't need to wait for Yom Kippur to feel Hashem's presence; we can find it in the simplest acts, even as mundane as washing hands or eating bread. While we may not always be able to undertake grand, monumental tasks, we can always perform small acts with great significance. Through these seemingly insignificant moments, we can truly experience the divine, reminding us that every aspect of our lives, no matter how small, has the potential to be a profound spiritual encounter.
Adapted from “Life Talks on the Parsha”