Rabbi Howard Morrison

This week's Parsha of Mishpatim largely places the general categories of the Ten Commandments, recited in last week's Torah portion, into specific legal rulings. As I wrote last week, the eighth of the Ten Commandments, "Lo Tignov," is traditionally understood as a prohibition on kidnapping. Different commandments address the prohibition of stealing objects.

Now, in Parshat Mishpatim, we read in Exodus 21:16, "One who kidnaps a person, whether he has sold him or is still holding him, shall be put to death." The Parsha enumerates many capital offenses for which punishment is death, at least in principle. The reality of capital punishment is debated in Jewish sources. The rules concerning evidence and proper testimony often negated capital punishment. Regardless, the statement "Shall be put to death" shows the severity of the crime.

In his medieval commentary, Ibn Ezra quotes Rabbi Saadiah Gaon who suggests that the person being kidnapped in Exodus 21:16 is a CHILD. When I studied this commentary, tears ran down my face. We all dreaded the possibility which was revealed Thursday that among the dead hostages were the youngest hostages, Ariel and Kfir Bibas. For many weeks, their pictures have adorned our pulpit, associated with prayers for their being alive and returned safely, along with all the other hostages. Sadly, and tragically, their bodies with one other deceased hostage, 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, were returned to Israel. Late on Thursday, in another despicable act, we learned that an unidentified body was found in the coffin that was set for Shiri Bibas. Her fate is now unknown.

Whether the ancient Mitzvah recorded in this week's Parsha is directed to only Jews or to all humanity is a topic for another day. In the Torah, kidnapping alone is considered a capital offense. In our contemporary context, the act of kidnapping has led to the murder of the purest, most innocent of people, including a five year old and a two year old. Anger and rage do not begin to describe my personal and our collective feelings. 

Our prayers go out to Yarden Bibas and to all the families who have suffered the tragic reality of deceased family members who were taken hostage on October 7, 2023, and beyond. Our prayers go out to all those who have survived and are only beginning the process of physical and emotional healing. All the Jewish people mourn and pray "As one person with one heart (Rashi on last week's Parsha)."

Baruch Dayan Emet - Praised be the true Judge!

Ha'shem Yikom Damam - May God avenge their blood!

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison