Parshat Mishpatim: Parshah Resources

7 Principles for physicians and caregivers

Parshat Mishpatim includes the injunction that physicians have permission and by it an obligation to heal patients. The special wording of the injunction, "Heal, he shall heal" (ורפא ירפא) is interpreted in many different ways. Among these are 7 that provide a set of principles to guide physicians and caregivers in their practice. Click here for the video and additional material.
Added: 22 Shevat 5771 | 27 Jan 2011

Audio Lecture: The Arrows and Ox of Fire

This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, deals with many laws, including the laws of damages. One of the four categories of damages is fire. In the Talmud, there is a difference of opinion between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish as to their visualization of fire and its legal ramifications. Whenever two great sages of the Talmud differ in opinion each one is saying the truth, each one in his own dimension. Therefore, in order to meditate on fire we need  to identify both dimensions of fire ("arrow" and "ox") and incorporate their positive, inherent truths in our lives.

 Click here to hear the recorded lecture and for a study aid.