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