G-d is in the Details
After the incredible revelation at Sinai, when G-d descended on the mountain amidst voices and torches, the sound of the shofar, and the smoking mountain; G-d says: "And these are the ordinances that you shall set before them", G-d conveys the intricate details of monetary law, the laws of torts, bailees, self-defense, and much more.
Here are three general lessons that emerge from the Parsha:
1. G-d is in the details.
The way to connect to G-d, the way to cleave to the creator, is not merely by seeking to experience extraordinary revelation and enlightenment. G-d is concerned with the ethics and morality with which we live our daily lives and how we treat our neighbors. The Parsha begins with the word "and", Rashi explains:
And these," {means that} it is adding to what has been previously stated. {Thus} just as what has been previously stated {namely the Ten Commandments,} were from Sinai, these too {the intricate details of monetary law} were from Sinai.
Rashi reminds us that G-d is found not only in the overwhelming spiritual experience, but rather, "these too are from Sinai", by applying the Divine will to the details of daily life.
2. Law implies responsibility.
A person must take responsibility not only for his own direct actions but additionally he is required to anticipate the behavior of his animals and prevent his livestock and property from causing damage to others.
The Mishnah teaches:
The legal status of a person is always that of one forewarned. Therefore, whether the damage was unintentional or intentional, whether he was awake while he caused the damage or asleep, whether he blinded another's eye or broke vessels, he must pay the full cost of the damage.
The opening verses of the Parsha describe the laws of the Jewish servant, who is released in the seventh year. The Book of Exodus is the story of the journey to freedom, culminating with the opening statement of the Ten Commandments, "I am the Lord, your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage”. To be free is to assume personal responsibility.
3. Judgement requires decisiveness.
The quest for justice is complicated. How can the judge ever be sure he knows the truth? The Talmud explains that, nevertheless, the judge is empowered and required to reach a decision based on the best information he has before him at the time: "A judge has only that which his eyes see."
The choices and options can paralyze us. To be free, to reach our full potential, we must be decisive. We must have faith that G-d empowers us to make the best decision possible with the best information and analysis we can access at that time. Constantly turning back to second-guess our choices traps us in the past and does not allow us to achieve the full potential of the path upon which G-d is leading us.