Mishpatim

Wow! Last week there were Ten Commandments, this week about a gazillion more! And we're just getting started with commandments to the Israelite people!

Let's look at just one situation in this week's parasha.

If an ox gores someone, the ox should be killed...but the owner is not responsible. However, if the ox was known to be vicious, and the owner was aware of it, then the owner IS responsible for what the ox did.

(Exodus 21:28,29)


Now, you probably don't have an ox. But you might have a pet - a dog, a cat, a hamster, or maybe goldfish. I would imagine your hamster or goldfish probably aren't a danger to anyone, but what about the dog or cat? According to what you read, what should happen if your dog bites someone (according to the text it should be put down, but that's the end of the story)

What if your dog has a reputation in the neighborhood for biting? And you know about it? Is this a different story (according to what you read it certainly is)

Why do you think this is so? What does it tell you about your responsibility for things you own?

What do you think? Do you agree or not? Explain your answer. X

Yitro

When Yitro meets up with Moshe in the desert he sees that there is a problem - too much work, too little time. It seems to him that Moshe is trying to do everything himself, without help. What would you suggest to Moshe if you were Yitro? Read what Yitro said to Moshe here:

21 Moreover you shallprovide out of all the people able men, God-fearing men, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place them in charge to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

In your own words, what did Yitro suggest? Why do you think Moshe took this suggestion? When someone makes a suggestion to you, how do you decide whether or not to follow it? Think about it and share your ideas in the comments below.