Parsha Yithro concludes with the high moment to date in world history; The Asseret HaDibrot (The 10 Statements) on the 6th day of the month of Sivan.
In our parsha Mishpatim, many basic laws of civilized existence are enunciated for B’nai Yisrael. The purpose of the Mishpatim, the civil laws, are to protect the moral fiber of society by regulating relationships between men, ecouraging truthfulness, sincerity and kindness while condemning immorality and deceit.
I often think of discussions back in the “old country” with friends where the suggestion is made that the Arabs, the Islamics view the Jews as hypocrites who are totally lacking in principles. What is suggested is that the Arabs view and perceive an Israeli derech of total lack of modesty (tz’niyut), rampant promiscuity, the presence of irreverence as well as a lack of ethics and morality in dealings between Jews themselves. And before the world, we gain discredit by scandals such as those of Haim Ramon and Moshe Katzav as well as by Ehud Olmert’s alleged less than straight and above-board property deals.
