Kevin Bemel ·
Do You Recall This Key Part of Parenting?
Parsha [Passage of Scripture] Nugget [Precious Idea] Shemos – Mishpatim 21:1-24:18
My daughter is a jewel. But as one of her two diamond cutters, my behavior shapes how superbly her facets will shine. She absorbs much of her character from my conduct. Constantly setting the example drains me at times. I renew my fortitude through Parshas Mishpatim:
“When (or ‘if’) you will lend money to My people, the poor of your people, you will not be to him a creditor, you will not place on him interest.” (Shemos/Exodus 24:22).
The parsha this Sabbath has 53 mitzvahs: 23 positive ones and 30 negative ones, which guide the conduct of theChildren of Israel. They cover a broad range of institutions, crimes, activities, and celebrations. Toward the end of Mishpatim, G-d promises to lead theIsraelites into the Land of Israel and conquer their enemies.
If you have children you know the greatest influence you have on them is by example. The way you live has a much greater impact on their values and behavior than anything you say to them. Does the greatest parent, G-d, fulfill this responsibility?
Midrash Shemos Rabbah (30:9, 2) says that the Torah is G-d’s law not only because He gave it but because He follows it. Every duty the Torah puts on you is a reflection of one the Almighty placed on Himself. Such mutual obligation bonds you, demonstrating the intimacy the Creator wants with you.
The above mitzvah, forbidding interest on loans, serves as an example. It is the source of gemachim, interest-free loan societies that provide dignified assistance to those in need.
So how does the Almighty keep this mitzvah? He lends you all you have: your body, your intellect, your family, your income, and everything else. Though Divine in its source, like any debt it must be repaid. How do you do so? Like a loan of money, you must use the proceeds of in accordance with its terms.
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As you struggle to set the example for your children, hopefully you will gain comfort that your Father in heaven does the same for you. He created you, supports you in a dignified way, and desires to ever strengthen your bond.
How do you set the example for your children?
