Timeless Torah

Following upon the heels of Revelation at Sinai the Torah's next portion of Mishpatim lists no less than fifty three commandments. The majority of those deal with civil and tort law. The juxtaposition of the "Big Ten" from G-d Himself with the seemingly mundane monetary matters refutes the common misconception that religion is confined to ritual and temple. So while Western man differentiates between Church and State, Judaism knows no such distinction.

Indeed, one minor lesson derived from these two Biblical readings being in such close proximity is that the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of Judaism, would in the future convene right next to the Temple in Jerusalem, since both are equal expressions of G-d's Will and Holiness.

But exactly how do we legislate morality, goodness and G-dly values? Over the centuries, the human race has experimented with many forms of government, but none have successfully integrated law and order with spirituality and ethical living. From imperialist monarchies to communism and from fascism to democracy, they have all been plagued by the same conflict: individual rights versus communal welfare.

Totalitarian forms of administration argue for the benefit of the whole at the expense of the minority. These states maintain that the selfish needs of the individual will ultimately fragment the nation. Notwithstanding their assertions, history records the untold misery these governments have caused without creating a better and more idealistic society.

Democracy, on the other hand, nurtures individualism and contends that we should risk excessive self-interest by supporting personal rights. Unfortunately, personal freedoms means that each and every citizen is the final arbiter of what is morally good or bad, with no one else being allowed to criticize. Consider the recent riots in our inner cities where minorities challenge the larger community and whose conduct is excused on the basis of relativism. Or take issue with a Dr. Kevorkian and you will soon find yourself being labeled "A Preacher who should respect the rights of others."

Is there then any form of rule that can balance the communal and idividual welfare without compromising our belief in divine principles of goodness. To this query the Bible responds "V'eileh Hamishpatim - And these are the ordinances". Only by inculcating our civil justice system with holiness can we achieve humanity's elusive goal.

Perhaps we should remind our children that we are still, "One nation under G-d." Maybe we should compel our elected officials to read the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedom of religion (not freedom from religion ) so that they stop passing laws designed to wean our youth away from a belief in G-d. Perchance we should even reconsider a "Moment of Silence" in our public schools that would teach our children that everyone is here for a purpose, one that includes responsibility to self and others.