Mishpatim: Equal Justice for All
In Parashat Mishpatim, the Torah lays out the infrastructure for establishing a rectified society. One of the most surprising commandments is: "Do not show partiality to a poor man in his legal case" (Exodus 23:3). At first glance, this seems almost contrary to human nature. Does the Torah, which preaches mercy, kindness, and aid to the poor, instruct us specifically here to halt our compassion?
The commandment of Dinim (Laws) is a positive, proactive obligation for the Children of Noah. The Torah warns the judge, and society as a whole, against the emotional tendency to tilt the judgment in favor of the poor person simply because of his poverty. Justice is an absolute value that does not depend on socio-economic status. As Maimonides rules (Laws of Sanhedrin, Chapter 20, Law 7), the purpose of a court of law is the pursuit of justice, not the performance of charity.
The mitzvah of "Dinim" is not merely technical; it requires us to cleanse our judicial system and our social consciousness of biases. Equality before the law is the only guarantee that the poor will also be able to live in security. In the modern era, this message carries even greater weight. We are witnessing a phenomenon where groups or individuals demand moral immunity before the law. The Torah teaches that no one is exempt from fulfilling the law.
The obligation "Do not show partiality to a poor man in his legal case" demands of us a clean stance: do not side with the strong because of their power, and do not side with the weak because of their weakness—side with the Divine Justice.
Have we given up on compassion by doing so? Certainly not. When a society conducts itself with Divine Justice according to the Seven Noahide Laws, most injuries to the weak are prevented automatically. For the Children of Noah, who are commanded to establish a legal system, this is a critical foundation in rectifying the world. Building a society where truth is the guiding light of the system, without prejudice, is the way to prepare the world to be a vessel by doing the will of Hashem. Only through a system of true justice can we create a space where peace can exist.
Sources: Maimonides, Laws of Sanhedrin 20:7. Exodus 23:3.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Serving G-d with Joy: A Guide for Jews and Bnei Noah to Serving the Creator with Joy